Music festival in memory of Caroline

A MUSIC festival in memory of teenage girl who died a sudden cardiac death takes place this weekend, writes Alexandra Feast. Last year, Caroline Johnstone, a 17-year old student at Bishop s Stortford High School, unexpectedly collapsed whilst clubbing wit

A MUSIC festival in memory of teenage girl who died a sudden cardiac death takes place this weekend, writes Alexandra Feast.

Last year, Caroline Johnstone, a 17-year old student at Bishop's Stortford High School, unexpectedly collapsed whilst clubbing with her friends. Her tragic death, on June 12 last year, was sudden and inexplicable, touching those who knew her as the bubbly "life and soul of every party."

Cardiac arrests are something usually associated with the more senior members of society. However, the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been raising awareness of conditions which can lead to Sudden Death Syndrome and Sudden Cardiac Death. CRY seeks to provide support to those families who have suffered such losses, as well as campaigning for proactive screening of young people.

In memory of Caroline's life, a Musical festival named Cazfest is being held on the Jobbers Wood playing fields of Bishop's Stortford High School.

Cazfest takes place this Sunday, July 5, and includes local and popular bands such as Sway and Big Linda. These bands will be accompanied by other forms of entertainment running from noon - 10.30pm, as people gather to pay their tributes to Caroline, and support the CRY charity at the same time.

All proceeds from this event will go to the Caroline Johnstone Memorial Fund, established under the umbrella of CRY. With Waitrose as a sponsor, the event promises food and drink throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages will also be available for those of legal age to raise their glasses to Caroline, with Saffron Brewery running a real ale bar, as well as a champagne and wine bar being present.

There will also be a variety of merchandise, such as Cazfest T shirts and fairy wings, so that visitors can join the celebratory spirit.

The event has already attracted widespread support from celebrities such as Ant and Dec, Simon Cowell, Orlando Bloom and Holly Willoughby, and will be hosted by Radio 1 DJ Greg James, with music to appeal to both the older and younger generations.

Approximately 12 children and young adults just like Caroline die each week from unexplained heart conditions. Organisers hope to raise funds to help detect these sudden deaths through basic and inexpensive screening.

Tickets cost just �12.00 each, or �36.00 for a family of two adults and two children, and the event guarantees to attract people of all ages, and provide them with a memorable afternoon.

A bus service will be running directly from Bishop's Stortford Station to the location of Cazfest. Further details can be found on the festivals official website, from which tickets can also be purchased. Log on to www.cazfest.com.