A HARTLAND family will fund another heart screening clinic next month through money raised by their son’s memorial fund.

On March 5 and 6, leading heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), will hold the first ECG screening clinic in Bideford at the college on Abbotsham Road, where young people, aged between 14 and 35, can be tested.

Donations made in memory of Martyn Luckett, who tragically died in July 2005 from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome aged just 19, have funded appointments for up to 100 free screenings during the day.

Martyn’s mother, Brenda, said: “July 11th 2005 was the worst day of our lives. We lost our youngest son Martyn and our whole lives changed that very moment we had the dreaded call from the hospital in Swindon.

“Martyn was a keen motorcycle trials rider and represented the South West on several occasions. Since then we have been raising money for CRY to fund this amazing opportunity so that other families might be spared the same heartache that we have endured. Please take the chance to have this free, painless test.”

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. That is the message from the leading heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

An ECG (electrocardiogram) test is a simple way to identify the vast majority of abnormalities that can cause sudden deaths in young people. The test is quick, non-invasive and, if necessary, a further echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) can be taken on the same day to provide further clarity or reassurance.

Chief executive of CRY, Dr Steven Cox, said: “The death of a young person is heartbreaking and devastating for any family. It is therefore essential that anyone with a potentially fatal heart condition knows about it. Without this knowledge and, if necessary, appropriate treatment, they could be putting their lives at risk as in 80% of cases there are no signs or symptoms.

“Sport itself does not actually cause sudden cardiac death but it can significantly increase a young person’s risk if they have an underlying condition. However, research carried out by CRY has also shown that a large number of these deaths will also occur when a young person is at rest or even sleeping.

“CRY is in its 20th year and we are so proud that our screening programme now tests around 23,000 young people annually. But we still believe screening needs to be extended to all young people. Although screening will not identify all those at risk, in Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, the incidence of young sudden cardiac death has been reduced by 90%.”

CRY’s screening programme is overseen by Sanjay Sharma, Professor of Inherited Cardiovascular Disease and Sports Cardiology at St George’s Hospital London and the Medical Director of the Virgin London Marathon.

Professor Sharma makes no charge for supervising the CRY screening programme and due to this support, CRY is able to subsidise the programme so that each appointment only costs £35. Privately, these tests could cost hundreds of pounds.

For more information and details on how to book, visit the CRY website at www.c-r-y.org.uk