The memory of a Bamber Bridge sportsman who died from an undetected heart condition is helping prevent similar tragedies.
Rugby player Stevie Wiggins was just 30 when he died in his sleep during a stint working in America in 2005.
Now, after years of work, family and friends have raised enough money to run a free cardiac screening session for young people in the area.
Since Stevie’s death, his friend Simon Mulholland, 35, his mum Sheila Wiggins and his sister Debra Down, 37, have led a campaign to raise more than £10,000 for a screening day.
With the support of charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, 114 people between the ages of 14 and 35 will be screened for free on November 16, at Preston Grasshoppers, where a plaque has been placed in Stevie’s memory.
When Stevie was not working abroad, he lived with his mum Sheila, on Longbrook Avenue in Bamber Bridge.
She said: “He lived life to the full and loved adventure – there are so many, many stories people have told me about him.
“Before this happened we didn’t know anything about this. It is so important to get tested.
“I want to say a big thank you to the rugby lads – without their support we would not have all achieved all we have achieved.”
Simon said: “He was best man at my wedding – we were best friends and played rugby together at Preston Grasshoppers. He was at the club from the age of 10.
“It has taken over two years to raise over £10,000. It costs £30 per person to be tested and that is what we have been working towards – to make sure many people have not got it.”
Sudden Death Syndrome is an umbrella term for the many different causes of cardiac arrest.
Undiagnosed conditions claim the lives of an average of eight people every week in the UK.
If you would like to be tested call Simon on 10772 774 141 or 07785 763 004, or log on to http://www.mybookingcalendar.com
