An Angus family who tragically lost their teenage son to a cardiac condition are spearheading fresh moves to shield others from the same loss.
Budding Arbroath musician Michael Cadman was just 17 when he died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in December 2007.
A simple screening would save the lives of 12 young people every week, according to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Michael’s parents, Ian Jessie and Jennifer Cadman, have worked with his former school to give 200 pupils a free screening next month.
A non-invasive electrocardiogram (ECG) would identify the majority of factors which cause sudden deaths in young people.
CRY will hold its first ECG clinic for Arbroath High School pupils in S5 and S6 on March 8 and 9, supported by acting head teacher Bruce Pandrich and Angus Council.
This has been made possible by donations to a memorial fund for Michael, who left school for a BA in audio engineering at Perth College UHI before the tragedy.
The Michael Cadman Memorial Fund has been supported by a host of local organisations and fundraising activities.
He was described by his parents and sister Jennifer as a quiet, kind, thoughtful, loving and fun son and brother.
As well as playing in a band, he was also a talented card gamer, and won a place to play Magic: the Gathering in Japan in April 2007.
Ian thanked CRY for the support offered to his family following Michael’s death.
He said: “No one should suffer the shock and grief that we have had and are continuing to endure.
“This screening event is the first to be performed at AHS and indeed any school in Angus.
“We sincerely hope that no cases of heart problems are detected, but if anyone does have a condition detected it is far better to have the correct diagnosis, treatment or preventative measures put in place, followed by continuing support.”riwatt@thecourier.co.uk