Every day, at least one family in the UK will suffer the trauma of losing someone aged 35 or under to an undiagnosed heart condition. 

And, once again, the tragedy of sudden cardiac death in young people has been making news.  The premature death of Boyzone star Stephen Gately, aged just 33, highlights the indiscriminate and cruel nature of this syndrome, which continues to claim the lives of at least 12 young people every week in the UK. 

This week is Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRT) Raising Awareness Week are we are committed to raising awareness of sudden cardiac death and the importance of screening.  In fact, we're proud to announce the launch of a new initiative to offer free screening to 14-year-olds (born in 1995 - the year that CRY was founded) in the South East.  Eight per cent of young people have no signs or symptoms so the only way to detect a potentially sinister cardiac abnormality is by having a simple screening test.  We hope this pioneering new initiative will lay the foundations for a future national screening programme that we know could save thousands of lives. 

Please do contact us if you would information about our new screening programme for 14-year-olds. 

If you, or a family you know has been affected by sudden cardiac death or you would like to find out more about the support services we provide, please visit c-r-y.org.uk

ALISON COX MBE, chief executive and founder of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)