The University of Glamorgan is helping to target a silent killer.

Every week, 12 otherwise healthy young people in the UK die from undiagnosed heart conditions.  It is for this reason that the university is holding its second cardiac clinic on Saturday, January 17.  From 10am until 4pm, free ECG (Electrocardiogram) tests will be on offer at the Clyntaff campus. 

The charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) urges young people aged between 13 and 35 to get screened, particularly if they are sporty.  Appointments at the clinic, usually costing £35, will be funded by donations made in the memory of Gareth McDonald and Mark Stephen Young, both of whom died suddenly at a young age. 

Gareth, a former University of Glamorgan student, was just 27 when he died. 

Peter Lewis, a senior lecturer of sports science at University of Glamorgan, was instrumental in setting up this initiative.  He said: "We are pleased to be working closely with CRY to  provide this important service for people in Wales.  "We hope many people at the university and Welsh sports clubs will take advantage of this unique opportunity to be tested, and we will achieve our goal of saving young lives." 

Dr Steve Cox, deputy chief executive of CRY explained: "One in 300 apparently fit and healthy young people has an underlying condition.  This really is a silent killer in our midst.  It is essential that anyone with a condition knows about it.  If they continue to participate in sport or take particular medication, for example, they could be putting their lives at risk.  The death of a young person is heartbreaking and devastating for any family.  At CRY, we would encourage all families to have their children screened for any underlying heart conditions." 

To book an appointment call 01737 363 222 or e-mail ecg@c-r-y.org.uk  

For more information about CRY visit www.c-r-y.org.uk/wales