His mother Pam found Gavin Haigh dead in his bed.

The 23-year-old printer, who enjoyed playing Sunday league football and following Leeds United, had no idea he had Cardiomyopathy.

“He had been out for a couple of pints and went to bed,” said his mother. “During the night, I checked on him at about 2 o’clock.

“The following morning he was on shifts so I went to check on him again.  He was still in the same position so I knew there was something wrong.

“When I took a closer look I could see he was dead.

“He was still living at home, having a good time.  He did a bit of travelling and followed Leeds United all over the place.”

His sudden death devastated his family who had no idea why he died.

When police officers had arrived following his death, officers searched his bedroom looking for drugs.  It was only during the inquest that the coroner looked at the possible cause of death as Cardiomyopathy.  “It was the same coroner who had done Terry Yorath’s son,” said Pam.  “He knew what he was looking for.”

Pam, her husband Derek and their daughter Samantha have all had tests for the hereditary condition.  Pam believes the screening should be statutory.  “We have got to get children screened.  If that doesn’t happen then we are going to see more unnecessary deaths.

  Leeds mother Louise O’Brien has also called for mandatory screening for heart conditions such as Cardiomyopathy.  Her 15-year-old son, Christopher Rennard, died from suspected Cardiomyopathy last November.  She has since launched a fund raising drive for national charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young