A woman from Bideford, North Devon, has dedicated her British Empire Medal (BEM) to her brother, who passed away at a young age due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Charlotte Luckett, 45, received the honour in the New Year Honours list for her extensive charity work and public service, particularly as the North Devon representative of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). This charity is dedicated to raising awareness of hidden heart conditions affecting young people.
Charlotte’s brother, Martyn Luckett, tragically died just before his 20th birthday from complications stemming from an unknown heart condition. His sudden passing, after appearing to be healthy the day before, profoundly impacted Charlotte and her family. Since then, they have committed themselves to raising awareness about cardiac risks in young individuals.
Fundraising Efforts and Community Impact
Over the past 18 years, Charlotte and her family have organized heart screenings for more than 2,500 young people through various community events, including drop-ins and school visits at institutions like Bideford College. Charlotte’s dedication extends beyond screenings; she has also participated in numerous fundraising activities. She has completed two London Marathons, over 50 half marathons, and the challenging 102-mile Ride London bike ride, along with the Swim Serpentine challenge, all to support CRY.
In addition to her charity work, Charlotte serves as a qualified surveyor for the Valuation Office Agency and mentors graduates seeking professional qualifications. She is also a leader for the 1st Woolsery Scouts, where she has been involved for seven years.
Speaking about her BEM, Charlotte expressed a sense of humility. “I do almost feel like an imposter really, because it’s just what I do,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of community service, attributing her values to her parents, who were also deeply involved in local initiatives. Her father remains active in the Torridge motorcycle club, and her mother has participated in scouting activities.
Community Engagement and Legacy
Charlotte highlighted the overwhelming support from the community, stating, “We are only a small family, but the community has really got on board, which makes the screening possible.” Recently, she and a group of friends undertook a 40-mile run and swim to commemorate what would have been Martyn’s 40th birthday, raising over £1,000 for CRY.
Charlotte noted that her friends, who participated in the screenings years ago, are now ensuring their children receive the same vital checks. This ongoing engagement illustrates the lasting impact of her efforts and the community’s commitment to promoting heart health among young people.
For more information on the work of CRY, visit their website at https://www.c-r-y.org.uk.
