Former Mayor Councillor Graham Marsden handed over a cheque for more than £9,000 for his chosen charity Cardiac Risk in the Young. 

The money was raised throughout his mayoral year with a dinner and dance, Fitness for Youth event in the Andale Centre, a Christmas Fair, drinks reception and other events. 

Donations were also received from other organisations such as Rotarians and local businesses. 

Cllr Marsden said: "I would like to thank everybody who supported my charity, either through financial support or by helping to put on the events. 

"The money will be put to good use through investing in further research as well as the provision of medical equipment which will be used locally. 

"The funds will help to reduce the dreadful statistic that four to eight young people die each week from undiagnosed heart conditions." 

Following the generous financial support given by both businesses and local residents it is intended to place additional medical equipment in the A&E department of the District General Hospital, and Langney Shopping Centre. 

The hospital will receive an ECG machine to enable further diagnosis of unknown heart conditions, whilst a defibrillator will be made available for the shopping centre at Langney. 

A special presentation will take place next month once the equipment has been p purchased. 

CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) was chosen by Councillor Marsden as his Mayoral charity, because of its importance in raising awareness of conditions that could lead to sudden death in young people and in p providing support for grieving families affected by the death of a young person. 

It was also chosen because a young Cavendish School student, Jeremy Cole, taught by the Mayor, died suddenly in 1995 with no prior warning that anything was wrong.