March 24, 2014, by Lindsay Brooke

Three peaks challenge to help the charity that funds his cardiac research

A Nottingham academic, who is studying new ways of treating sudden death syndrome, is to take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and help raise money for the charity that funds his research.

Professor Chris Denning, is carrying out a two-year project  into the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. He is to tackle a 25-mile route across Yorkshire’s three highest peaks – Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – on 21 June for Heart Research UK.

Prof Denning was awarded a two-year grant of £147,000 by the charity to study the use of stem cells from a patient’s skin that can prompt the heart to beat normally when used with a range of new heart drugs. The condition is believed to affect one in 1,000 people across the UK, and in extreme cases can cause sudden death.

“The reasons for doing the Three Peaks challenge are simple, Heart Research UK does great work into tackling heart disease,” said Prof Denning. “In my own lab, the charity’s funding is helping us to try and find new ways to treat a condition known as sudden cardiac death, which is a major cause of fatality in otherwise fit and healthy young people under 30.”

Prof Denning said everyone knew someone close to them – a friend, family member, colleague or partner – who has suffered from heart disease. “For me, my grandad died of a heart attack when he was 39, my uncle when he was 41 and my dad when he was 64,” he added. “This story is repeated all across the country, so any support for my Three Peaks Challenge will make a difference “.

Heart Research UK’s national director, Barbara Harpham, said that the research being carried out by the University of Nottingham team could bring about real improvements to a condition that affects too many people. “It’s great that Chris has decided to do the Three Peaks challenge, and any money raised will help people to continue doing the kind of important work that he and his team are involved with,” she said.

Anyone who wants to support Chris Denning just click here.

Anyone wishing to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge can enter on the HRUK website: www.heartresearch.org.uk

For further information please contact Chris Child at Heart Research UK on 0113 297 6207

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