Screening could have saved promising young footballer's life

When ‘super fit’ 17-year-old Mark Pover collapsed and died in his mum’s arms during a game of football, there had been no signs whatsoever that he had a heart problem.  But like Mark, up to eight young and seemingly healthy people die from Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) every week. 

Many of their relatives believe these deaths could have been prevented by a simple screening process. 

Now Mark’s parents David and Cath Pover, from Carrbrook, Stalybridge, are trying to raise awareness about heart attack risks in young people.  They have joined forces with other families who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking way, to promote heart screening for those at risk. 

With their help, national charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) launched a thought provoking postcard campaign on Friday at Stalybridge Celtic Football Club.  Hundreds of cards will be distributed by CRY supporters to people throughout the North West, urging them to send it back to their local MP. 

The postcard features the faces of eight young people from the North West who had their lives cut tragically short by unexpected heart attacks, including talented sportsman Mark.  Newton FC player Mark was just 17 when he clutched his chest and keeled over on the football pitch, just seven minutes into a game. 

His mother Cath had been watching the match at Brabyms Park from the sidelines when Mark suffered a massive cardiac arrest.  Speaking at the launch she told the Reporter: “He had just got the ball, brought it down onto his chest and passed it.  He turned around and then keeled over.” 

Talented Mark, who had a promising football career ahead of him, died within minutes in his mother’s arms, in spite of desperate attempts to revive him. 

Mark’s father David, who is a sports therapist for Stalybridge Celtic, said: “He was such a fit lad who never had an illness in his life. 

“He was a gifted player who was about to sign up for Stalybridge Celtic on his 18^th birthday – he had a promising career ahead of him. 

“Mark never showed any symptoms of a heart problem whatsoever before his death – it was a huge shock.” 

His parents refused to accept that he died from a natural death and tests later revealed that Mark suffered from Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy – a build up of fat and scar tissue on the right side of his heart.  This is one of the most common causes of unexpected cardiac death in the young. 

Like other parents, David and Cath believe Mark’s death could have been prevented if simple cardiac screening was made more accessible. 

David said: “We need to make other families aware of these potential problems in the young to save them the pain we have been through.  There are nearly 300 junior players at Stalybridge Celtic and I have made them aware of the issue. 

“They have very kindly offered to send the postcards on to their MP to help our campaign. 

“In Italy screening is compulsory for people in sport. 

“It is readily available in other countries and that is what this country should have. 

“This could potentially save many lives. 

"If Mark had been screened he would have had to change his whole lifestyle, which would have been heartbreaking for him. 

“But had it been in place it could have saved Mark’s life. 

“Because he was so fit it may never have occurred to have him screened as a youngster. 

“That is why we need to educate people about heart problems in the young and potential symptoms.  If children were scanned at a young age, especially those involved in sport, they and their families would be able to make the necessary changes.” 

Chief Executive and Founder of CRY, Alison Cox, said: “By showing just some of the faces behind the stories we read and hear about all too often we can help people begin to understand the heartbreak caused by this cruel killer and highlight the fact that it can happen to anyone, at anytime – usually without warning. 

“These eight faces – representing the eight lives lost a week in the UK – show just a snap-shot of the problem.  We need to keep up the pressure and engage support from as many MP’s as possible to make sure we can prevent other families from experiencing such tragic losses.” 

It is hoped the ‘flurry’ of postcards will encourage MP’s to add their support to the campaign and join the charity’s All Party Parliamentary Group which will meet on December 13. 

Anyone who would like to help the Povers distribute postcards can call David or Cath on (01457) 835 789. 

CRY recommends families request screening through their GP if they have had young sudden deaths in the family or if a young person is suffering from symptoms of chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness and/or fainting.