A new cardiac screening programme was launched last November at the University of Glamorgan in a bid to prevent these untimely deaths. 

A simple and quick ECG test could save the lives of the 12 healthy young people who die each week in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions. 

Set up by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), it is available for any young people between the ages of 14 and 35, particularly if they are engaged in regular sport. 

Donations made in memory of Mark and another victim Gareth McDonald, from Cardiff, help fund the appointments at this clinic, which would usually cost £35 per person. 

Gareth was a student of the University of Glamorgan before he died aged just 27. 

Peter Lewis, senior lecturer of sports science at the university, was instrumental in the initiative. 

He said: "We are pleased to be working closely with CRY to provide this important service for young people in Wales.  Our clinic is well placed for those who live in Cardiff as well as in the Valleys and is easily accessible from the M4. 

"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 added: "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. 

"Twelve young people die every week in the UK and one in every 300 apparently fit and healthy young people has an underlying condition.  This really is a silent killer in our midst.  We would encourage people to get in touch with the CRY clinic and arrange to be screened. 

"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.  They may not show any symptoms or warning signs. 

"There is a simple way to identify most of these abnormalities - this is by having an ECG (electrocardiogram) test. 

"The test is quick and painless.  If necessary a further echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) can be taken to p provide further clarity."

Dr Cox added: "Screening needs to be extended to all young people.  Everyone is potentially at risk from the condition and the only accurate means of diagnosis is through an electrocardiogram. 

"Our screening clinics are a step in the right direction and will help raise the profile of these conditions."

For more information go to www.c-r-y.org.uk/wales.htm