Sussex and England cricketer James Kirtley will be attending the CRY Fitness Challenge in the Arndale Centre.  The event - to raise cash for the Mayor's chosen charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young - is taking place on February 4, from 10am - 3pm. 

Teams of local young people will be competing on fitness equipment to promote the importance of exercise and the need for research into Sudden Death Syndrome.

Jenny Cole, CRY south east representative, said: "It is often difficult to consider that someone who is apparently young and fit may be at risk of sudden death, so it is essential to raise awareness of the symptoms of cardiac conditions in young people. 

"This is the perfect opportunity to promote not only the aims of CRY, but also the advantages of keeping fit for good health." 

Three separate team challenges will take place for age categories: 14 to 16, 16 to 18 and 18 to 21. 

The participants will be encouraged to collect personal sponsorship pledges and in addition there will be a collection on the day for spectators to contribute.  Organisations and companies will be invited to take a display stand.  Teams of three will compete on the cycle, running and rowing machines.  One team member will compete on each piece of equipment for 10 minutes each to register the greatest cumulative distance covered in 30 minutes. 

CRY was chosen as this year's Mayoral charity, not only because of its importance in raising awareness of this type of sudden death and providing support for grieving families, but also because a young Cavendish School student, Jeremy Cole, known to the Mayor, died suddenly in 1995 with no prior warning that anything was wrong.  Every week, eight apparently fit young people die from undiagnosed hart conditions. 

Cheques will be gratefully received at the Mayor's Office, Town Hall.  for more information, or to make a donation to www.eastbourne.gov.uk