Teenager Mark Pover had always hoped to hit the headlines as a famous footballer.  But the 17-year-old made the news for a different reason two years ago when he collapsed during a football match and died within minutes. 

Mark, a young and seemingly healthy teenager who played for Newton FC, was a victim of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) which kills eight people every week. 

The syndrome has no symptoms and only tests after his death revealed he had suffered from arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy – a build-up of fat and scar tissue in the heart and the most common cause of unexpected cardiac death in the young. 

Parents David and Cath have now joined forces with the national charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to campaign for heart screening for those at risk. 

Postcards featuring Mark’s face – as well as the faces of seven other SDS victims – are being distributed across the country urging people to support the cause and send cards to local MP’s.  It is hoped enough will back the campaign and push a bill through Parliament making screening compulsory. 

David, of Carrbrook, Stalybridge, and a physiotherapist for Stalybridge Celtic, said: “Mark was a gifted player who was about to sign for Celtic on his 18^th birthday – he had a promising career ahead of him.

“He never showed any symptoms of a heart problem and we need to make other families aware of these potential problems to save them to pain we have been through.” 

He added: “So far the response to the cards has been tremendous and I do believe it could work. 

“If Mark had been screened he would have had to change his whole lifestyle, which would have been heartbreaking for him, but if it had been in place, it could have saved his life.” 

Anyone who wants to help distribute postcards can call David and Cath on 01457 835789.