Ellen's tragic death prompts heart screening campaign at her former school

A Cork city school has launched a new heart-screening campaign in memory of its former student, Ellen Cassidy, who died after completing the Cork City Marathon in 2025.

The campaign, entitled Pledge A Heart Test, was launched by St Angela’s College to raise €50,000 so that every student can get a free cardiac screening.

Ellen, 24, died shortly after taking part in the 2025 Cork City Marathon.

The cause was sudden adult death syndrome, which is a hidden heart condition that can affect people without warning.

Ellen’s family, led by her mother, Violet Cassidy, have come on board as patrons of the campaign, determined that Ellen’s story will prompt other young people to be screened.

Violet said that while nothing will ever bring Ellen back, if supporting the campaign will encourage more young people to consider their heart health, then something meaningful can grow from the sadness the family carries each day.

“Ellen was full of life, with so much still ahead of her,” said Ms Cassidy.

“None of us could have imagined what was coming, because this condition gave us no warning.

“You cannot see it. You cannot feel it. That is why Pledge A Heart Test matters so deeply to us.”

Principal of St Angela’s College, Pat Curran, said: “Education will always be at the core of what we do, but so too is the health, wellbeing, and safety of every girl entrusted to our care.

“The frightening reality of an underlying heart condition is that there may be no obvious warning.

“A young person can appear fit and healthy and still be at risk. That is why screening matters.”

Parents are asked to pledge €100 for their own daughter’s test, while friends, family, past pupils, and local businesses are invited to pledge a heart test for a student whose family may not be able to pledge.

Donations to the campaign can be made via the school’s iDonate page at: www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/pledgeahearttest.