A heart charity has renewed calls for young people to be screened for hidden conditions following the sudden death of a Newcastle teen.
Experts estimate that up to eight young people die suddenly each week in the UK of cardiac abnormalities, also known as sudden death syndrome or sudden cardiac death.
Among these was Newcastle teenager Craig Golightly, of Walkerville, who despite appearing fit and healthy, suddenly collapsed and died at work.
An inquest into the 19-year-old's death could find nothing wrong with his heart, but cause of death was given a sudden heart failure.
Alison Cox, founder and chief executive of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) says that unless action is taken these sudden deaths will continue.
CRY wants screening clinics in every UK city.
Alison said: "Deaths like Craig's can be caused by irregular heart beats.
"There can be no symptoms, and afterwards the heart appears normal.
"However if the young people re screened any underlying condition may be spotted."
