Free Rotherham heart screenings follow death of '˜perfect gentleman'

Free heart tests were carried out at a college, in memory of a former student and dad who died of an undiagnosed heart condition.
Thomas Rotherham CRY screeningThomas Rotherham CRY screening
Thomas Rotherham CRY screening

Thirty-one year old Lee Smith collapsed and died suddenly while at work, leaving his wife and seven-weeks old son, Ollie.

In his memory, and because 12-plus apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions every week in the UK, a CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) screening event was held at Thomas Rotherham College.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This screening programme aims to give people aged from 14 to 35 the chance to have a free heart test. The event was open to staff and students and their families, along with members of the public, and 92 people were screened.

A spokesperson for the college said that Lee was ‘an incredible young man in the prime of his life with everything to live for’.

He was described as a ‘loving husband, doting dad, precious son and son-in-law, older brother and caring friend: a hard working young man who was focused and driven to achieve anything he wanted in his life. Lee truly was the perfect gentleman who was loved, admired and respected by all those whose lives he touched’.

Lee’s sudden death in June 2013 was due to a fatal arrhythmia caused by an undetected heart condition. He had not experienced any symptoms that could allow his condition to be detected.

CRY aims to promote and protect the cardiac health of young people by establishing good practice and screening facilities, but also funds medical research and offers bereavement support to families.