STUDENTS at Carmel College had free heart screenings as part of campaign by the family of an ex-student who died from a hidden defect.

James Nicholas died in October 2012, four days before his 22nd birthday due to an undetected heart condition

Since the tragedy, the Star has featured his family's support for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), an organisation which aims to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death and promotes heart screening programmes.

Fundraisers have included a bike ride along the Leeds Liverpool canal, taking on the Great North Run and the St Helens 10k.

In the region of 100 students at the sixth form college underwent screenings last Friday (March 27) to detect any heart defects.

It is estimated that 12 young people a week die from sudden cardiac death and CRY campaigners lobby for compulsory heart screenings for all 14 to 35-year-olds.

“It costs £3,500 for 100 people to be tested,” said James’ dad, Kevin, aged 49, from Dentons Green, who aims to take part in the Great North Run again this year.

“We’ve got collection tins all around in the town and we want to keep it going.

“This came about after talking to one of James’ old teachers at the college. We’ve also had two sessions at Saints and we’re hoping to do two more at Saints next year.