Margy Al-Chalabi: My son Badir was only nine when he collapsed and died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) during a cross-country run in March 1991. Losing a child is devastating and a deeply painful grief. It has taken me a while but I feel able now to offer my time and to be there for anyone who is experiencing a painful loss.

Amanda Barker: My husband Nigel died in his sleep on 18 August 1998. Aged only 33, he was a fit and healthy man and our children James and Jane and myself were devastated by his sudden death. We have since moved to Yorkshire to be near my parents and to rebuild our lives.

Maralyn Bowen: We lost our 19 year-old son Ian in October 1996. After playing a round of golf in the morning, Ian had gone to his part-time job in the afternoon before going to have a night out with his mates. He collapsed and died one hour after leaving home. Ian’s death was due to a condition known as Wolff Parkinson White (WPW).

Diana Bower: My son-in-law Andrew was a healthy, successful and proud father-to-be. When he died suddenly aged 30, my daughter’s dreams were shattered. Having supported her through the ups and downs, I would now like to help others. Although times can still be difficult, watching my daughter and grandson laugh together brings me a happiness I couldn’t envisage after Andrew’s death.

Julie Donnelly: It is hard to describe the devastation of losing our son Adam. He collapsed and died aged 17 of sudden death syndrome while playing in the swimming pool when we were on holiday in 2004. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of him and wish things were different. CRY helped us realise that we are not alone in this tragedy and that this most unimaginable loss happens to many other young people.

Karen Finney: Our lives changed forever when my beautiful daughter Jenny died suddenly, aged 18. Many families have unanswered questions, as we did. Knowing there is support available makes a big difference in helping to cope with the long and difficult struggle of rebuilding shattered lives. Being able to talk to someone who has experienced a similar tragedy is sometimes all we need.

Caroline Gard: When our son Andrew died just two days short of his 18th birthday in July 1997, our lives became changed forever. He had just finished his A levels and was a fit, active sportsman who was extremely well-liked by everyone. Because he had no warning of any problems his sudden death came as a complete shock to us.

Julie Hatton: I lost my son Leon when he was only four and a half years old. Unbeknown to us, Leon was born with a congenital heart defect called bicuspid aortic valve. This valve was too narrow for the blood to flow through and it eventually fused together. Leon died peacefully in his sleep.

Joan Hillier: Laura was working during her vacation in her father's GP surgery. She suddenly collapsed and died on 20 June 2003, aged 21, from undiagnosed arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). She was lively, witty, a fun person, a joy to know and is deeply missed by all who knew her.

Barbara Holland: In 1988 my brother-in-law Hugh died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. When our son Phil had palpitations we had him checked at the local hospital but were told there was nothing to worry about. We were devastated, therefore, when he suddenly collapsed and died in December 2002. He was 23. We now know that both Hugh and Phil probably had a form of cardiomyopathy.

Ruth Lowe: I had never heard of SADS until 12 April 2004 when my only child Andrew died suddenly at 21, shortly before he was going to be married. Andrew rarely went to the doctor but had been experiencing symptoms no-one thought could be serious. We were left bewildered after his sudden death. I feel privileged to be a Bereavement Supporter and hope through my own experience I will be able to help others.

Stephanie Paterson: Investigations into James’s 'heart murmur', twice dismissed as irrelevant in childhood, did not prevent acceptance for the RAF. He died suddenly at 24 playing football. We yearned to understand the mystery of his death from long QT. A ray of light was CRY. Since then the world has become a different place and we are different people. I now hope to help others with the changes that such a tragedy brings.

Anne Reynolds: Pete, an outgoing, lively young man, lived life to the full. Excelling at most sports, he never experienced sickness in his life. Dizzy spells several weeks prior to his death were dismissed. At 27, Pete was found dead in bed. We shall never get over losing him but are learning to live with it. With the help of family, friends and CRY we are rebuilding our lives. I hope to help others find a way through their tragedy too.

Dee Shackleton: I was born in Bradford where I grew up with my two brothers Peter and John. I became involved with CRY after my older brother, Peter, died on 15th November 1998 at the age of 25. As you can imagine this was devastating for my family and I. CRY became the support network I needed.

Carly Sykes: Paul died aged 28 playing football in April 2005. Extremely fit and healthy, he showed no signs of any problem. His death left me and our baby son devastated. CRY's help and persistence enabled me to obtain a diagnosis other than ‘natural causes' and ensured Thomas has ongoing screening, as Paul died of the genetic condition ARVC. CRY has proved to be the support network I needed on so many levels.

Vanessa Tardif: My fit and vibrant brother Simon (35) died suddenly in July 2004 of undiagnosed ARVC, leaving a traumatised wife and four young children. We are still devastated and shocked at his sudden death and miss him every day. I have ARVC and was fitted with an ICD soon after my brother died. I trained as a Bereavement Supporter to try and help others through their grief.

Diane Tolley: My 15-year old son Robert was on a bike ride with his two best friends. During the ride, Robert got off his bike complaining of feeling dizzy. He collapsed and died, despite the best efforts of passers-by and paramedics. Robert died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There were no warnings, signs or symptoms of this condition.