Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson has pledged his support to a charity for sudden cardiac deaths among young people.

Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has launched a pioneering new clinic to be based at a leading London hospital and also announced the first initiative in the UK to screen 14-year-olds born in 1995, the year that CRY was founded, across the South East of England. 

Nigel Waterson MP attended a Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons, along with the charity's new patron, Phil Packer, who himself made headlines earlier this year by completing the London Marathon and climbing El Captain, despite having been left paralysed whilst serving in Basra just 12 months previously. 

The new multi-disciplinary centre - spearheaded by the charity's consultant cardiologist, Dr Sanjay Sharma - will provide a 'one stop shop' for young people and 'affected families' who wish to be screened for potentially life-threatening problems. 

CRY estimates that at least 12 young 'apparently fit' people died suddenly in the UK every week from previously undiagnosed heart conditions aged 35 and under.

Mr Waterson said: "I have long supported this charity that campaigns tirelessly to promote the importance of screening in young people, especially those who enjoy playing sport at school or at their local pub. 

"We have a very active branch in my own constituency.  So it's wonderful to learn that screening is now becoming more accessible to young people right across the UK. 

"I would urge parents, teachers and budding young athletes in my constituency to log onto CRY's website to find out about the screening programme for teenagers and young adults."