The family of a teenager who died after suffering an undetected heart defect have hosted an event in Ainsworth in her memory.

Alex Reid, from Sheffield, was aged 16 when she died in her sleep from the defect.

Her family became involved in raising awareness through charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) soon afterwards.

The organisation aims to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening, research and supporting affected families.

They also set up a dedicated fund in her name.

Alex’s uncle Roger Sharp, from Bury, is a member of Ainsworth Bowling Club and had arranged the bowling day to help educate people on the issue.

Alex’s mum Heather Reid said: “The weather forecast was terrible, but the sun came out for us. It always shines whenever we do events for Alex.

“It was a great way to raise awareness about sudden cardiac death and CRY.

"Players had a great time and learnt a lot about what the charity does.

“Most of the people there were a bit older so it was an opportunity to open up conversations about how these issues could potentially impact their children and grandchildren.

“Many people don’t think about it in their day to day lives and how it can affect anybody.”

 

Around 12 people under the age of 35 die each week from undiagnosed heart conditions, making it one of the biggest sudden killers of young people in the UK.

The event, which took place this summer, raised almost £500 for the charity.

Heather added: “There have been some sad cases where famous sports people die in public and it gets a lot of attention, whereas lots of young people die when they are asleep in bed or while driving with no quick access to defibrillators.

“A lot of people don’t know much about it all and you don’t have to be an athlete to be affected. It can happen to anyone, and ignorance is not bliss.

“Awareness and screening have got to be the answer to try and prevent so many future deaths.”

Alex’s younger sister was screened soon after Alex died in 2012, and Heather stressed the importance of the lifesaving work being carried out.

She said: “So far, we have done 16 days’ worth of screenings, which has covered about 1,600 young people.

“From them, there have been 55 referrals picked up, with 10 of those people likely to have had their lives saved.

“It might not sound much but every life matters.

“The other 45 people screened are now aware that they have a condition which means they may need to make some lifestyle changes to stay as healthy as they can.”

It costs the charity £6,500 per day to host screening events which immediately get booked up, highlighting the demand for a national scheme.

Each year, Alex’s former high school in Sheffield hosts a netball tournament in her memory to raise awareness.

Heather added: “She was a keen netball player and loved to stay active. She was one of the fittest people you could ever have imagined.”

The money raised by Alex’s friends and family has also funded groundbreaking research to help experts gain more understanding of the causes of sudden death.