In loving memory of Edward and Tom. As their partners we are compelled to address the gap in the healthcare system that could have prevented their deaths and save others' lives. We are urging the government to implement a mandatory full health check (MOT) for individuals aged 25 to 35.

Edward’s Story

Edward was kind, he was accepting, he was patient, he was non-judgmental, he was a peacemaker, a joker, he was Laura’s spot squeezer, he was a Swiftie, he was a friend, a godparent, the biggest LOTR fan Laura had ever met, he was an uncle, a best friend to more people than Laura has ever known possible, he was a gamer, a thinker, a storyteller, a partner and a husband.

He was a light in so many people’s dark times and mysteriously always at the right times.

Laura’s husband Edward passed away at 32 years old — 6 months and 1 day after the best day of their lives, their wedding. Edward had dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which was only diagnosed when Edward went into hospital with pneumonia. Edward was waiting for a heart transplant due to the dilated cardiomyopathy but couldn’t get one in time.

DCM is a disease of your heart muscle which enlarges your heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle), causing your heart’s muscle wall to stretch and become thin (dilate). This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood out of your heart and around your body. People living with DCM might not notice any symptoms at first as it develops over time. The most common symptoms include: tiredness, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of your feet, ankles, stomach and lower back, palpitations (feeling your heartbeat pounding or beating more quickly than usual).

In the UK, an estimated 400,000 people have heart failure that is currently undiagnosed.

If Edward had a health check, his life could have been saved.

Tom’s Story

Tom was a man who once met, was never forgotten. A son, brother, uncle, a godfather, a best friend, dog dad and the love of Gabby’s life. He was loved by many and embraced life in his own unique way. He was a party starter, perfected his dance moves and got coined ‘Magic Tom’ at weddings. He was always there to offer a helping hand, and a cheerleader in the darkest of times with one of his most endearing qualities being his impeccable sense of humour.

Gabby’s partner Tom died aged 34, just a month and a half after celebrating their 6 year anniversary. Tom had no symptoms up until 6 months before his death, when he started with headaches. He went to the doctors for a check and was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). A few months later, he was experiencing chest pains. After a short hospital stay Tom was feeling fine, but died suddenly at home. After his death, it was recorded that he died of Hypertension and undiagnosed Coronary Heart disease caused by the severe High BP.

Most people don't know they have high blood pressure because there aren't any obvious symptoms and it is only often diagnosed after having a heart attack, stroke or regular checkups.

Rare symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, nosebleeds and chest pains. Tom had some of these rare symptoms without even knowing.

In the UK, it’s estimated that up to 8 million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

If Tom had an early health check, his life could have been saved.

The Call for Change

Edward and Tom were vibrant, healthy individuals until their lives were abruptly cut short by undetected conditions. What happened to them was not a rare case. Many young adults are walking around with silent, life-threatening conditions they are unaware of — from heart problems to early-stage cancers to serious genetic disorders. We believe it’s time for that to change.

Our Proposal

We urge the government to implement a Mandatory Full Health Check (MOT) for individuals aged 25 to 35. This MOT should include:

• Blood pressure and heart function assessments
• Blood tests for cholesterol, glucose, etc.
• Family history screening
• ECGs or other cardiac screenings when applicable

Early detection is crucial in saving lives, as it could have saved Edward and Tom. By supporting this petition, you can help protect others from preventable loss and give young adults a fighting chance to detect health issues early. Please join us in advocating for this critical change. Together, we can prevent future tragedies and honour Edward and Tom's legacies. Let's make health checks normal, not optional.