Former Mayor Graham Marsden donated an ECG machine to the DGH after a year's fundraising.

Cllr Marsden chose the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) to raise money for in his mayoral year, 2004-2005. 

Cllr Marsden said: "I would like to thank all of those who contributed to the fundraising in any way for their support in purchasing what is a vital piece of medical equipment. 

"After everybody's effort it is very pleasing to be able to formally hand over the ECG machine to the District General Hospital. 

"I am sure that it will be put to very good used for the benefit of the people of Eastbourne and the surrounding area." 

The advanced MAC1200 ECG machine, costing £7,000, will be used to assist in the diagnosis of anyone admitted with suspected cardiac difficulties. 

Delly Dickson, clinical matron of the A&E department, said: "We would like to thank Councillor Marsden for this incredible contribution to the department. 

"this piece of life-saving equipment will be of great benefit to patients and we are so grateful to him for all his hard work." 

Jenny and Nigel Cole's son Jeremy, who was taught by Cllr Marsden at Cavendish School, tragically died from an undiagnosed heart condition. 

The couple added: "We are so pleased that the ECG kindly donated by the previous mayor through his fundraising for CRY and also the people of Eastbourne, will be sited in the A&E department, which is the first port of call for anyone of any age admitted to the hospital suffering a cardiac related condition. 

"We trust that the ECG machine will be a real benefit to everyone involved. 

"We know that the A&E staff tried desperately hard to revive our son, Jeremy, when he was admitted on the day he died and how hard it must be for all of them to be involved in the many occasi8ons that situat8ions such as this occur for whatever reason. 

"We earnestly hope that the proactive use of the ECG may help to prevent such a similar occurrence, as even one life saved is so precious to the family concerned." 

CRY was chosen as last year's Mayoral charity, because of its importance in raising awareness of conditions that could lead to sudden death in young people and in providing support for families affected by the death of a young person.