YOUNG people in the Post area are being encouraged to sign up for an ECG screening event, which is being paid for by money raised in memory of a young man from Hartland.

Leading heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) says that a simple and quick ECG test could save the lives of the 12 apparently fit and healthy young people who die each week in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions.

On March 7 and 8, CRY will be holding the sixth ECG screening clinic at Pilton Community College, Barnstaple, for young people, aged between 14 and 35.

Donations made in memory of Martyn Luckett — who tragically died in July 2005 aged just 19 — have funded appointments for up to 100 free screenings during the weekend.

Martyn's mother Brenda Luckett said; "July 11th 2005 was the worst day of our lives. We cannot put into words the feeling when you have a phone call in the middle of the night telling you that your youngest son has passed away suddenly. He was only 19, fit and healthy we thought, no signs of any illness, only flu-like symptoms.

"This has changed our lives forever and there is no doubt that had we known about CRY's screening programme, we would have certainly taken it up.

"Martyn died of a cardiac condition known as myocarditis which is why we are raising money to fund free screening in our area, to stop other families going through this same heartbreak. Please take up this opportunity, it is painless and free."

An ECG (electrocardiogram) test is a simple way to identify most of these abnormalities. The test is quick and painless. If necessary a further echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) can be taken on the same day to provide further clarity.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.