A tragedy has led to new life for a Midland family devastated by the sudden death of a teenager from a rare heart syndrome.

Grieving mum Benita Davies, of Crowther Gardens, Halesowen, thought nothing good could come from losing 16-year-old Paul, but years later she believes it has allowed her to cuddle the grandchild she may never have had. 

Dudley College car maintenance student Paul was riding his bike outside Earls High School, Halesowen, when he suddenly collapsed and never regained consciousness in January 1999. 

A post mortem examination revealed the teenager unknowingly had Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, when the heart muscle changes into fat and stops it beating properly. 

But that led to relatives being tested and Paul's 18-year-old sister Nicola diagnosed with the same condition and fitted with an implantable defibrillator in her heart. 

"Nicola could have died too if this condition had not come to light from Paul's death and losing two children would have been too much for me," said Russell's Hall Hospital nurse Benita, diagnosed with a less dangerous form that can be controlled by drugs. 

"That was 10 years ago and Nicola has now had a baby.  An amazing baby we thought she may never have because of her heart condition. 

"Nicola had a defibrillator fitted under the skin to control the heart's rhythm if it goes so fast that it stops.  It has only happened once and that was terrifying." 

Nicola was determined to lead a full life and gave birth to baby Thomas nine months ago. 

With 12 people every month killed from the adult cot death, the family is encouraging families to sign up for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) free heart screenings at Stourbridge Health Centre, John Corbett Drive. 

"Screening is so important and children should get them at school," added Benita, who has another daughter, Lindsey, aged 30. 

Anyone aged from 14 to 35 can be tested between 9.50am and 4.20pm on Sunday.  To book, call CRY on 10737 363 222 or e-mail: ecg@c-r-y.org.uk