The power of community and cardiac screening: Leah’s day with The Beat Goes On 31
As a member of the PR and Communications team at Ongo, I’m fortunate enough to be given 15 hours out of work each year to volunteer for causes that benefit our local communities.
It’s a brilliant initiative that allows us to connect with the people and organisations making a real difference, and recently, I had the privilege of spending one of those days with The Beat Goes On 31, a charity that has truly captured my heart.
About The Beat Goes on 31 and their mission
Founded by Gill and Steve Ayling from North Lincolnshire, The Beat Goes On 31 was born from unimaginable tragedy: the sudden loss of their son Nathan to Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD) at just 31 years old.
In the face of grief, they’ve channelled their loss into purpose, creating a charity that raises awareness of YSCD and funds cardiac screenings for young people aged 14–35.
Every week in the UK, 12 young people aged 35 and under die suddenly from previously undiagnosed heart conditions, according to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). That’s why The Beat Goes On 31 is campaigning for the government to introduce cardiac screening for all young people from the age of 16.
Until that time, they partner with CRY to offer these vital screenings, that can detect hidden heart conditions before it’s too late, for free.
Each event costs around £7,000 and sees around 200 attendees. The charity has already funded screenings for over 600 young people in total, with 45 referred for further tests. That’s 45 lives potentially saved.
I first came across them as part of the panel for Ongo’s Community Grants. Their application stood out immediately, not just for the amazing work they do, but for the passion and drive behind it. I was proud to be part of the decision to award them £2,000 in funding, knowing it would support their life-saving efforts.
This cause resonates deeply with me. My own family has experienced the heartbreak of cardiac issues and sudden deaths, so I was delighted to be able to offer some help.
Making a difference outside of the office
On my volunteering day, I was warmly welcomed by Gill, Steve, and an incredible team of volunteers. What struck me most was the strength and unity among them. Many had also lost loved ones to YSCD, and despite their own heartbreak, they come together with a shared mission: to stop it happening to others. Their dedication, compassion, and resilience are truly inspiring.
I was lucky enough to receive a screening myself. It began with a height and weight check, followed by a full ECG, and then a consultation with a doctor. Thankfully, my results were okay, but due to my family history, I was given some proactive steps to take. It was reassuring and something I wish more people had access to.
I spent the rest of the day helping with the flow of the event, guiding attendees from one station to the next. Compared to the tireless efforts of Gill and Steve, my role felt small, but I was proud to contribute.
Hope House, the venue kindly hosting the event, was buzzing with young people. Some nervous, some still in school uniform, others taking time out of their busy work day, and many accompanied by parents. Most left reassured, while others discovered conditions or symptoms that needed further attention.
Those individuals were given echocardiograms and, in some cases, referred for specialist care. Witnessing this first-hand was a powerful reminder that these screenings truly are saving lives.
I also got photos, videos and stories to promote their work and we spoke about how I could continue to work with them them going forward.
Thank you
Gill and Steve are simply amazing. Their passion is relentless, their courage inspiring, and their love for their son Nathan shines through in everything they do. They were recently honoured with a Pride of Britain Award, and it’s easy to see why. When Gill said, “We won’t stop”, I believed her wholeheartedly.
I’m so grateful to have spent the day with The Beat Goes On 31. It was emotional, enlightening, and reaffirmed why volunteering matters.
Thank you, Gill and Steve, for letting me be part of your mission. I can’t wait to support you again in the future and help spread the word about the incredible work you are doing.