Badenoch and Strathspey screenings in Calum Mackintosh’s memory are ‘incredible’ says MSP
SNP MSP Emma Roddick has lodged a formal motion in the Scottish Parliament recognising the work of Ann and Iain Mackintosh, who – in memory of their son, Calum – organised and fundraised the first cardiac screenings to take place in Carrbridge.
The Highlands and Islands MSP said:
“I was so inspired by the work done by Ann and Iain, and I’m pleased to be able to recognise both their work and their impact in the Parliament. This is exactly the kind of heartfelt, impactful, local campaign that changes lives.
“I have absolutely no doubt that they have had an immeasurable effect on young people and their health and wellbeing. So many people locally will now have an increased awareness of heart health; and have been shown what exceptional community involvement looks like – all in Calum’s name.
“Ann and Iain’s efforts are incredible. It was an honour to mark this in Parliament, and I wish them all the best for the future.”
Mrs Mackintosh told the Strathy this afternoon: “The number of young people coming forward to be screened shows just how important this is.
“Whilst it is great to have the recognition of what we are doing, the job won't be done until changes have been made to policy at government level.
“Until screening becomes the norm for young people as it is in Italy and other European countries I will continue to raise awareness and fundraise to allow the young people in the strath and surrounding areas to be screened.
“I am determined that something positive will come of Calum's death”
The motion was:
“That the Parliament recognises the recent cardiac screening event held in Carrbridge by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), at which 202 young people were screened and approximately 10 referred for further tests, highlighting the importance of preventative screening; notes that the event was made possible through local fundraising led by Ann and Iain Mackintosh, following the death of their son, Calum, from sudden cardiac arrest in November 2023 at the age of 19; further notes that Calum had planned to run the 2024 Edinburgh Marathon with his friend Eoin, who completed the marathon in his memory and raised funds for CRY; acknowledges that on the same weekend, Ann and Iain, together with several of Calum’s friends, took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Team Relay to raise funds for two additional CRY screening days planned in Carrbridge in 2026, and commends the continued community effort to support access to cardiac screening for young people in the Highlands.”
It was supported by:
Karen Adam, Jackie Baillie, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Bob Doris, Tim Eagle, Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Sue Webber and Brian Whittle.
