Over 150 people gathered at Royal Brompton in early March for the opening of a new pathology laboratory offering hope for those who have lost loved ones to sudden cardiac death. 

The unit funded by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), is being led by consultant histopathologist Dr Mary Sheppard.  It offers a fast-track pathology service which will analyse the exact cause of unexpected cardiac death in young people, providing families with answers within weeks rather than the current month which many have to wait. 

It is estimated that every week at least eight apparently fit and healthy young people (aged 35 and under) die suddenly of undiagnosed inherited cardiac conditions.  Finding the cause of these deaths not only helps families to understand what happened to their relative but also alerts the family that other members could be at risk and allows for appropriate screening and treatment. 

Bereaved families, healthcare professionals, and CRY and hospital supporters were all at the launch event which included speeches from rugby coach and CRY patrons Sir Clive Woodward; Michael Burgess, HM coroner for Surrey and coroner of the Queen's household; and Alison Cox, chief executive of CRY. 

For information on the unit and on the work of Mary and her team, look out for the next issue of staff magazine 'In touch".