Star's tragedy leads to lifesaving idea

Jul 30 2008 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

A NORTH East sporting legend has given his backing to a new identification system following a family tragedy.

Former world 1500 metres champion Steve Cram was devastated in May 2001 when his brother Kevin, 39, died after falling and fracturing his skull while out running in Cardiff Park.

Kevin was found by a passing motorist, but it took 48 hours to notify his relatives because he was not carrying any form of identification.

For the Jarrow-born BBC sports commentator and his family, this painful situation was only made worse by the fact that they had to endure 48 hours of frantic searching and a media appeal.

As a result of his ordeal, 48-year-old Cram is now hoping to highlight the dangers of not being easily identifiable in case of an emergency by joining forces with sports firm Reebok to launch the CramAlert ID system.

Mr Cram, who now lives in Northumberland, said: “The CramAlert ID is a lightweight and adjustable silicon ID wrist brand that carries a unique ID number.

“Each member of the family can register next-of-kin contact details and allergy or medical conditions in case of emergencies so they are safe in the knowledge that, should trouble find them, they can be identified quickly and easily and their family contacted immediately.”

Although primarily aimed at runners, adventurers, children, the elderly and those who carry medical conditions could all use the identification scheme to ensure peace of mind for their friends and family while out doing everyday activities.

The CramAlert ID scheme costs an annual fee of £10 for an individual or £20 for a family of four. Users can then register their contact details and any key medical information in case of emergencies.

Each member of the family can register next-of-kin details and allergy or medical conditions