The face of a former Frinton youngster who died suddenly just two days before his 18^th birthday is being used to help boost an awareness campaign for cardiac screening. 

And his mother, Caroline Gard, who has championed the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) sine his death in 1997, is hoping it will prevent similar deaths. 

Andy Gard is one of eight young victims of undetected heart conditions from eastern England whose photos appear on a new postcard.  They are to be handed out to the public for them to send to their local MPs calling for their support in the charity’s campaign for more cardiac screening for the under-35’s.  The eight victims featured had no apparent symptoms or history of bad health. 

Andy was a keen sportsman, who loved hockey and represented Essex and Under 16 level.  His parents, local vet Peter, his wife Caroline and sister, Cathy were devastated at Andy’s sudden death through a heart attack. 

Mrs Gard, who with her husband is a divisional representative, explained: “There are eight deaths a week (In the UK) which are preventable.” 

She appealed for potential victims to come forward to be tested at the first CRY ECG testing clinic which she runs at the Colchester General Hospital. 

The cost is £35 and the next clinic is at the start of October.  Anyone who wants to have the test should contact CRY on 01255 673598.