The parents of a teenager who died just days before his 18th birthday today welcomed a new test which can help predict those who are at risk from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (Sads).

Andy Gard was a healthy teenager who loved all sports and played hockey for his county. He collapsed and died at his Frinton home.

For his parents Caroline and Peter and sister Cathy, then 16, his death was a devastating shock and they still have no idea why he died.

Now experts have discovered a new test to help flag up those at risk.

A study has been funded by the British Heart Foundation, which has found a way of measuring the amount of electrical disorganisation in the heart. Those at high risk can be fitted with a device which could kick-start their heart and stop them dying.

Researchers from the UK, Poland, the Netherlands and France have been involved in the work.

Six months after Andy's death, Mrs Gard found out about Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry), which supports those who have lost someone through Sads.

Since Andy's death in July, 1997, the family has raised £90,000 for Cry to support its work

Published Monday, June 2, 2003

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