FAMILIES of two young men who died suddenly from undiagnosed heart complaints are launching a campaign to prevent further tragedies.

The parents of David Staff and Neil Wickers, who joined forces after their sons died in similar circumstances, have bought a specialist machine capable of detecting potentially life-threatening heart defects.

They plan to train about 16 volunteers to use the mobile equipment and screen thousands of young people in East Lancashire. The first session could take place within three months.

The driving force behind the initiative is the Cardiac Risk In the Young organisation (CRY) which has congratulated both sets of parents for their efforts.

The project has been made possible by 15 months of tireless fund-raising and donations from the community which has brought in almost £9,000. The ECG programme has cost £7,000. David, 17, of Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, died after collapsing near the end of a 10k road race in December 1994 - his first senior run.

Neil, 31, a financial adviser, of St Alban's Road, Darwen, collapsed during a gym workout at the Albion Mill, Blackburn, in 1996. David's father Granville Staff said: "We are compiling an information pack and plan to target any group in Darwen, Blackburn and Hyndburn, which deals with young people aged between 14 and 30 - the group most at risk.

"The fund-raising will have to continue because each scan costs £15 and we also want to pay for further tests by specialists at St George's Hospital, London, if defects are discovered.

"Groups can help with costs by fund-raising.

"It is going to be hard work but well worth it if we can save even one life.

"Myself, my wife Susan, and Neil's parents Bill and Irene have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown."

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