RUGBY players are taking part in a ‘test my heart’ session in memory of local cycling champion Ben Forsyth who died just over a year ago at the age of 20.
Prior to an open day and friendly match at Musselburgh Rugby Club today (Saturday), they will attend the free and now fully booked ‘Cardiac Risk in the Young’ screening session offered at Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre for those aged 14 to 35.
Ben, a member of Edinburgh Road Club cycling club, was forced to give up the sport he loved in 2015 after being diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) – a progressive and incurable disease of the heart.
A former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil and Edinburgh University geography student, he won the British Youth Circuit Race Championship in 2013 at Blackpool.
Although he did not play rugby at Musselburgh, he had many friends there.
Michael Maltman, 1st XV captain, said: “The family of Ben have done such amazing work to date in raising awareness of cardiac-related health issues amongst young adults.
“The ongoing fundraising by them has given us players at Musselburgh Rugby Club the opportunity to enrol for free heart screenings. The tragic circumstances of Ben’s death gives you a different perspective on life.
“These screenings as a player and as a new father give me the peace of mind to go out on a Saturday and enjoy the physicality and intensity especially as Musselburgh enters into the Premiership for the coming season.
“It is through the hard work and determination of Ben’s loved ones that we are fortunate to receive the cardiac screenings.”
The Stoneyhill Farm Road-based club open its doors on Saturday to welcome the public, especially families and children at 1.30pm. A friendly match against Stewart’s Melville take places at 3pm.
There will be a family kids’ zone at the open day with party play activities run by East Lothian Play Association, balloon modelling, giant jenga and dominoes, and games. Youngsters are also able to sample free rugby taster sessions run by MRFC young section.
Jill Irving, club treasurer, said: “The club prides itself on being a community-based sports club, focusing on developing youth through the fun and discipline of rugby values.”
To find out about heart testing go to
www.testmyheart.org.ukand for more information on the club, visit
www.musselburghrfc.comor email musselburghrfc@aol.com.
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