Family call for heart screening after death of son

Jono Stead died in his sleep in December 2022 due to an undiagnosed heart condition, aged 27

The parents of a man who died of an undiagnosed heart condition are raising money to provide more cardiac screening after losing their son Jono in 2022.

Dave and Karen Stead, from Driffield in East Yorkshire, hope additional screening will prevent further sudden deaths of people between 14-35 years old.

Jono, 27, was described as "popular, ambitious and sporty" and had set up his own accountancy business, just 9 months before he died.

The charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) say every week in the UK 12 "fit and healthy" people die unexpectedly from heart conditions.

Jono's family have set up a memorial fund with CRY and participated in the charity’s annual fundraising event for the North East

CRY believes screening is vitally important because in 80% of cases there will be no sign or symptom of a heart condition.

Mr Stead explained: "Jono had always seemed so fit and healthy and was no different on that day. He had spoken to his Mum in the afternoon and finished by saying he was going to catch up on a couple of hours sleep. Tragically only 45 minutes later his heart, suddenly and with no warning, stopped beating."

'Takes great courage'

The Stead family are planning Jono's Fundraising Night in March to raise funds to bring CRY's cardiac screening to Driffield.

A golf day in memory of Jono has also been organised in May.

Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of CRY, said: “It takes great courage and determination for anyone who has been affected by young sudden cardiac death to be able to see beyond their own situation and to want to raise funds for CRY and prevent other people from ever having to endure the same devastating grief as they have experienced."

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