Hundreds of Manx people receive free heart screenings

More than 450 people will receive free heart screenings from a local charity in the Isle of Man this weekend.

Paula Lunt set up Craig's Heartstrong Foundation in memory of her son, who died from a undiagnosed heart defect in April 2005.

Mrs Lunt said: "If I can stop one more mother from going through my hell, then I will he happy."

Since 2006, the foundation has helped to screen more than 2,500 people on the Isle of Man.

Qualified doctors and technical staff will offer free testing to detect any possible symptoms of hypertonic and dilated cardiomyopathy.

'Save your life'

Mrs Lunt said: "It could save your life. It is totally private and confidential and the doctors can tell you then and there if there is a problem.

Craig Lunt died from a undiagnosed heart defect in April 2005

"If there are any problems then we will offer our total help and support."

She said: "He was extremely fit and healthy and it really does show it can happen to anyone. Just look at Bolton's Fabrice Muamba."

The Bolton Wanderers midfielder, 23, collapsed during Saturday's FA Cup tie with Tottenham.

"What happened to Fabrice brought it all back about Craig and I am looking every day to see his progress. I really believe that everyone who plays sport should be screened."

Mrs Lunt, 54, was unaware her son had been suffering from an undiagnosed heart defect which can cause hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy and lead to sudden death syndrome.

Subsequent tests showed he suffered from long QT syndrome, which had been handed down by her.

"If we had known about Craig's condition we could have got him the right treatment. I can't bring back my son but it's some consolation knowing I can help other local families before it's too late for them," she said.

The screenings start at the Sefton Hotel in Douglas at 09:00 GMT on the 24 and 25 March.