The father of a Lower Earley lifeguard who died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) has spoken to sixth form students about the condition. 

Peter Biggs visited Queen Anne's School in Caversham last week to talk about the condition and his involvement with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 

His son, Shaun, of Sweepstone Close, Lower Earley, had been celebrating New Year's Eve with friends last year when he collapsed and later died in hospital.  At his inquest a coroner ruled the 21-year-old died from  Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). 

Mr Biggs told the students: "My son died of SADS on New Year's Day just over a year ago, hence I got involved with CRY following the tragedy. 

"In 2008 12 SADS deaths occurred every week and every single one is a heartbreak for the friends and family.  That figure is now 16 deaths every week." 

He continued: "CRY runs research programmes  to try and detect heart defects in young people and support families after the tragedy occurs. 

"So why not MOT our hearts?  It is a criminal offence not to MOT our cars but to have your heart checked you may not be able to unless you smoke, drink or have a poor diet.

"The majority of heart conditions that affect young people are silent.  An ECG costs £35; think how much a life is worth.  You can't quantify the cost of a young life." 

Sixth form student Nathania Meser, 17, said after the talk: "I have heard of sudden death in infants but I have never heard of it in young people.  I was quite shocked to hear about it and I thought Mr Biggs was brave to come and talk to us.  I thought it was an emotional speech. 

"I want to get an ECG to be safe.  I will go home and speak to my mum about it as it is so cheap and can save your life." 

Fellow student Alice Flannery, also 17, added: "I thought it was really interesting and I had never considered having an ECG. 

"Hearing from someone who has experienced it makes you realise the value of life and the effect it has on family and friends." 

After the event Mr Biggs said: "I think the students were shocked.  If you explain SADS to young people it will make them aware of the need to have an ECG and the dangers of energy drinks." 

Visit www.c-r-y.org.uk