Calls to screen all children from London mum who lost son to SADS

A mum from South West London who lost her son to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome says people don't know how prevalent it is.

Sam Richards is from Hampton Wick, and her son Toby died in 2019.

"He had lots of friends - he loved his brother. He was just a typical fabulous, normal, healthy young man."

Sam has since set up ToBe Heartsafe - which aims to provide cardiac screening and CPR training - and defibrillators for schools and sports clubs, and help fund community plans. She says more awareness of SADS is vital.

"Parents need to be aware of what SADS is, so they can make an informed decision of whether or not they want to have their child's heart screened."

Around 12 young people die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition every week in the UK.

SADS stands for Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome - and according to the British Heart Foundation, it is when someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest, but the cause of the cardiac arrest can’t be found.

Sam explained what she'd like to see in the future.

"Knowing what I know now... my dream would be that every parent in the UK has the option to have their teenagers screened, and has the knowledge of SADS in order to make that decision.

"I think it would be fantastic if every teenager who is undertaking fitness, sport, football, rugby, cardio, involved in daily strenuous exercise - that they are screened."

You can find out more about the work that Tobe Heartsafe do by clicking here.

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