A TOTAL of 40 people were screened for heart defects during special sessions held to help prevent further tragic deaths.

The Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) weekend event at Darwen Access Point was in memory of David Staff and Neil Wickers. Both men died suddenly from previously undiagnosed cardiac abnormalities. Their families, from Darwen and Hoddlesden, now support the charity CRY.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Sam Farozi from St George's Hospital in London led the session. An ECG technician from Blackburn Royal Infirmary and a district nurse from Witton Surgery in Blackburn stepped in at the last minute to help out.

One person who had been screened by the mobile unit, which was paid for by local fundraising, has now been referred to London for further tests.