The family of a Scarborough man who died of an unknown heart condition is campaigning for a national screening programme to be introduced for young people.
Allyn McCluskie, 24, died at his Alma Square home in May this year.
His family is now hoping to raise awareness about the advantages of a screening programme as well as raising thousands of pounds for the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity (CRY).
Denise Lewis, Allyn’s aunt, said: “Our aim as family and friends of Allyn is to campaign for a nati8onal heart screening programme to stop preventable cardiac deaths in young people.”
“This also involves lobbying government and politicians as well as working with cardiologists, GPs and cardiac nurses.
“CRY is a charity reliant on fundraising activities organised by bereaved families and we want to help in raising the profile of the charity and support them in the essential work that they do.
“We hope to raise a minimum of £10,000 a year.
“This is a very difficult time for us all but our love for Allyn will help us to achieve our aims.”
A post mortem examination showed that Allyn had suffered a coronary artery atheroma.
Dr Mary Shepperd, who examined the heart in London, advised Allyn’s siblings to have a screening due to the long family history of the disease.
Mrs Lewis added: “If there was a national screening programme for young people, namely an ECG and Cardiac Echo, Allyn would still be alive today.
“Twelve young people die every week as a result of undiagnosed heart conditions.
“Allyn was always proud of his family, in particular his brothers, in all their achievements, his friends would tell you he would not stop talking about them. We believe Allyn is driving us to make a difference to the lives of young people from across Britain.”
His family are organising a variety of fundraising events to raise money for the CRY charity.
They have already raised £240 after Tony Peers dedicated one night of his Scarborough Spa Summer show to Allyn.
Upcoming events include a fundraising night at Soltz on Saturday November 7 organised by David Garnett, David O’Sullivan and Allyn’s best friends.
Allyn’s cousin, Shaun Lewis, plans to shave his hair off on the same day and will be collecting money in the town centre.
Later this year a group of 12 people plan to walk the West Highland Way, in Scotland.
Filey School has adopted CRY as their main fundraising charity this year.
The All Wales Cardiac Rehabilitation Group will take part in a sponsored walk and Beth Lewis, Allyn’s cousin, will do a parachute jump next year.
Allyn’s grandparents will also be collecting donations in their home town of Airdrie, in Scotland.
