The family of 18-year-old David Pollard, who tragically died this month from a mystery heart condition, is launching a campaign to make people more aware of Sudden Death Syndrome.

David of Elveden Drive, Ilkeston suddenly collapsed and died at his home on Sunday January 6th, 2002. There was no warning in the days leading up to his death that made anyone suspect he was ill in any way

Causes of unexpected cardiac deaths are varied, and complicated, but are usually hereditary. Yet to many families there can be nothing less natural than to lose an active young person in this way.

David himself was fit, and was seen to be healthy. He even went down to the gym with his father three times a week.

A charity called CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), has been set up to try and help make people more aware of what can be a devastating illness.

According to CRY between four and eight apparently ‘fit and healthy” young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions in the UK a year.

Although David's family do not know what the mystery illness was which took their son’s life, they are keen to help raise awareness of hidden heart problems in the young.

The family says that once they have found out what their son died of, they will do everything they can to support a charity associated with that illness.

Father Ross Pollard said: “People go to the dentist every six months to have their teeth checked, so why shouldn’t people also have their heart checked on a regular basis?"

St Mary’s Church was packed on the day David’s funeral, on January 16th, with family, friends and colleagues. David id was dedicated to guitars and music and throughout the service songs from The Beatles - one of his favourite bands were played.

The service itself was conducted by Rev Smedley who threw aside his formal religious dress, to lead the service in a more informal way.

One of the last songs played was Champagne Supernova by pop group Oasis, which was specially chosen by David's friends

Ross Pollard added: “The funeral wasn’t God like, but it was spiritual.”