Jonathan Edwards MP recently attended an event at Portcullis House, London organised by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to lend his support to the ongoing campaign for a national strategy for the prevention of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD).

Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people in the UK (aged 35 and under) die suddenly from an undiagnosed heart defect.

In 80 per cent of these cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms until it is too late, which is why CRY believes screening is so vitally important.

Any person aged 14-35 can go to www.testmyheart.org.uk to book an appointment for a free heart screening which includes an ECG. CRY also provides the follow up ultrasound test on the same day.

CRY now tests around 30,000 young people each year and well over 190,000 since the screening programme was launched in 1995.

The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP was keen to state that this matter is of great concern and that he and others at Plaid Cymru vow to do all they can to tackle this rising issue.

Jonathan Edwards MP said, "I am very aware of Cardiac Risk in the Young and I have previously supported a parliamentary motion on the issue.

"I am delighted to sign the Cardiac Risk in the Young MP Pledge which calls for a National Strategy for the Prevention of Young Sudden Cardiac Death to help save young lives.

"To represent Plaid Cymru at the event highlights the party's readiness to fight to save young people's lives in Wales."

Chief Executive of CRY, Dr Steven Cox, commented; "It was very encouraging to welcome so many MPs to our event at Portcullis House and to update them on our campaign.

"Many of the MPs talked about the impact young sudden cardiac deaths have had on their constituents and the communities they represent.

"Some had very personal stories of the devastating impact of these tragedies.

"We are continuing to urge all MPs to help establish a national strategy for the prevention of young sudden cardiac death to ensure the government acts to prevent the hundreds of deaths of young people each year from these undiagnosed cardiac conditions.