Mum's moving tribute to Doncaster Knights star whose tragic death 'will save others' lives'

An inquest into Ian Williams’ death heard how he had not had not been given regular tests on his condition after it was diagnosed when he was a child, and the coroner critised record keeping at Doncaster Royal Infirmary after he presented himself at A&E with chest pains days before he died.

Assistant coroner Louise Slater found no evidence he was told to avoid exercise.

Ian’s mother Pippa Williams said: “Ian was an inspirational and intelligent young man, full of charm and integrity. It is fitting that, through Ian, lives will be saved as awareness of cardiac risk in otherwise fit young athletes is increased. My husband Philip and I are immensely proud of our daughter Helen who is working tirelessly in this regard”.

Ian’s sister Helen added: “It is clear that Ian’s death was avoidable if he had been discharged with the appropriate advice. I also want to clarify that an electrocardiogram (ECG) test would not have revealed the true nature of the problem.

“Had Ian undergone an echocardiogram - or imaging of any kind – he would likely have been put on medication or had surgical intervention and still be with us today.

“The key for us now is that lessons are learned from this tragedy to prevent similar loss for others. Ian spent his life trying – and usually succeeding - to positively affect those around him, and we want his death to do the same. We can take some comfort from the work The Ian Williams Foundation has done with the RFU in positively impacting the sport that Ian loved and hopefully sparing others from the pain of what we have gone through.”

Cardiac screening has been extended to include additional screening ages, as well as to include the additional professional playing population of the English Championship level. The family hope that this will continue beyond professional divisions into amateur rugby, and beyond that, into all sports.