In honour of Josh Avvenevole
Josh Avvenevole, a much loved 26 year-old with an enthusiasm for family, friends, study and sport was lost to us suddenly on Mother’s Day in 2019. Josh had a wide circle of friends, a quick and clever mind, a razor sharp wit and a penchant for Bush Poetry. He had travelled to Europe, the US, Canada and Japan and would be found in museums, a cracking pub or hurtling down the ski slopes. After finishing a degree in Biomedical Science Josh was close to finishing a Masters of Analytical Finance which was awarded posthumously, he was hopeful of a career financing new medical developments. Josh is the adored second son of Concord Golf Club members Jenny & Anthony Avvenevole, brother to Ben & Lucy, brother in law to Melissa and Uncle to little Francesca and Freddie who he would have showered with love.
Sudden Cardiac Death in the young (SCDY) is sudden and unexpected death by loss of heart function. It is a tragic event affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The life years lost and impact on the families and friends of victims aged under 40 (including children) is devastating. In research, the focus has shifted towards prevention of these deaths, but a significant gap in understanding causes remains. Many have no known heart conditions.
May his legacy be to save others of a similar age and families of a similar adoration.
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Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that affects approximately 3,000 Australians under 50 each year, often striking without warning. Associate Professor Jodie Ingles and her team at Garvan are dedicated to advancing research into inherited heart diseases to improve early detection, prevention, and treatment. Our researchers are leading the national IMPROVE-SCA study which aims to transform the management and care for families who experience a young sudden cardiac arrest and death, as well as the NSW Sudden Cardiac Arrest Registry which aims to identify risk factors and genetic causes.
Community support continues to be essential to this work. Funds raised through the 2025 Heart of the Green event are driving Garvan’s 2026 strategic vision, tackling the biggest challenges in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) care: data scarcity and fragmented support. Initiatives include expanding the SCA National Register to collect consistent, nationwide data and investigating novel genetic causes of SCA through detailed family and heart assessments. Thanks to the generosity of the Avvenevole family and the Heart of the Green community, Josh’s legacy is helping build a national system of research and support to protect Australian families for generations to come.
“I dread the anniversary of his death. But I look forward to this day because it’s so hopeful. It’s about impact. And it’s about ensuring that other young people get to live their full lives.” – Jenny, Josh's mother
Click here to read Josh's full story
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