A KNUTSFORD voluntary group has launched an initiative to help prevent death in young people from undetected heart defects alongside national charity C-R-Y.

Knutsford Community First Responders Trust, which provides first-on-the-scene medical aid and British Heart Foundation ‘Heartstart’ courses, has now launched its C-R-Y screening appeal in the town thanks to contributions from Knutsford Lions and St Cross Parish Church coffee fund.

The C-R-Y charity specialises in helping to reduce cardiac risk in the young, and the First Responders has announced that its key project for 2016 is to provide a day of cardiac screening for up to 100 young people.

"Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions,” said Adrian Rees, chairman for KCFRT. “The "C-R-Y" charity was set up to screen young people to pick up such abnormalities before they become fatal.

“One behalf of the Trust, and the residents of Knutsford, I would like to thank the organisations for the most generous donations.

“We will be seeking other like-minded bodies to also assist in the funding of this vital initiative over the coming months.”

The basic cost to run a full day of screening is £3,500. This provides full ECG (electrocardiogram) diagnosis and the results reviewed by the on-site Cardiologist for up to 100 young people.

Knutsford Lions and St Cross Parish Church Coffee Fund have each donated £300 and £250 respectively towards the initiative.

Pat Heath, presidents of the Knutsford Lions, said: “Knutsford Lions are pleased to make this donation to enable the First Responders in their cardiac risk screening in the young project to take place in Knutsford.

“Cardiac arrest in the young is a hidden danger for those aged between 14 and 35 and we hope that the screening sessions will help prevent unnecessary deaths.”

The money donated by St Cross has come from the congregation and is collected every Sunday and Wednesday following services when parishoners gather for refreshments.

Jill Nairn of St Cross Church, said: “All the money given is used for charitable donations such as worldwide Disaster Emergency appeals and locally as in this case for Cardiac Risk in the Young. We are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile cause."

For more information about C-R-Y visit c-r-y.org.uk