Seventeen-year-old Adam Ankers and 20-year-old Matthew Dunning were both vibrant young men with a passion for football, living their lives to the fullest. Tragically, they share a haunting similarity – each fell victim to sudden cardiac arrest, a silent threat that claims the lives of 600 young people under 35 in the UK every year. That’s nearly two young lives lost every single day. Their heartbroken parents, from Buckinghamshire and Hampshire, are now rallying behind the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), pushing for more research funding and the establishment of a national cardiac screening program for all individuals over the age of 14.
In Adam’s case, his parents have voiced deep frustration over the missed opportunities that could have saved their son’s life. Adam, a talented player for Risborough Rangers and later the Wycombe Wanderers under-19s team while studying a BTEC diploma in sport, collapsed on 31 January 2024 during a match, complaining of chest pains. “When the paramedics arrived, Adam was cold, blue; the defibrillator was right there, out of the box, but it wasn’t connected. If they had just plugged it in, it would have delivered a shock and told them to continue CPR,” says his father, Alastair. Sadly, Adam succumbed to unsurvivable brain damage and passed away in the hospital on 4 February. An inquest revealed that neither the coaches nor the 999 operator recognized his irregular and shallow breathing as a sign of cardiac arrest. There was also confusion regarding the safe use of the defibrillator on a teenager, which, as it turns out, is completely safe.
The coroner determined that the failure to identify Adam’s cardiac arrest significantly contributed to his untimely death. “He shouldn’t be dead,” Alastair insists. “The system failed him… Experts at the inquest are not convinced this won’t happen again. The NHS has been aware for a decade that their call handling system only recognizes 75% of cardiac arrests.” The coroner has since recommended mandatory cardiac arrest training for coaches and referees at all levels, including grassroots. Although the Football Association (FA) raised concerns that mandatory training could deter children from refereeing, they are currently reviewing the coroner’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, South Central Ambulance Service has announced changes to ensure that anyone who collapses during sports will be treated as a potential cardiac arrest victim, with basic life support instructions provided, including the use of a defibrillator when available. In a cruel twist, Adam’s family only learned after his death that a distant relative had been diagnosed with a genetic heart condition back in 2018. Had this information been shared, Adam might have been screened and diagnosed, leading to preventive measures being taken.
Adam’s mother, Naomi Wakefield, emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated effort to save young lives from sudden cardiac arrest: “We’re losing 12 to 13 children or young people weekly; that’s a staggering number. It takes all of us to address this.” A cardiac arrest can strike unexpectedly, often without warning, causing individuals to collapse suddenly.
Two hours away in Ringwood, Hampshire, Marie and Simon Dunning are mourning their son Matthew, who died suddenly from cardiac arrest in September 2025. Eight months later, they still struggle to comprehend the sudden loss of their son. Like Adam, Matthew was an active young man, participating in football and golf while loving his studies at the University of Surrey. One fateful Wednesday morning, he collapsed in his student accommodation, leaving his family in shock. “They call it the invisible killer,” Simon says somberly. “Many parents are in the same boat as us; their children appear perfectly healthy until they suddenly die in their sleep.”
Matthew’s parents were devastated to learn that experts found no structural issues with his heart or any inherited conditions. Just three years prior, in 2022, Matthew underwent tests after fainting during a tag-rugby match. He had a loop recorder fitted to monitor his heart, but his parents were assured he was in perfect health after no further episodes. Marie reflects, “I used to joke that I couldn’t keep up with him because he was so active. It’s just so unfair; he should be here.”
The UK National Screening Committee is currently reviewing whether to recommend cardiac screenings for all young people over 14, with a public consultation set to occur this spring. In a prior decision made in 2019, the committee opted against national screening, citing potential inaccuracies in testing those without symptoms. Conversely, the charity CRY argues that proactive screening is crucial. “Research shows that one in 300 people tested through CRY’s program will discover a hidden, potentially fatal condition,” states Chief Executive Dr. Steven Cox. He insists that identifying cardiac conditions early can lead to life-saving treatments and modifications.
The Department of Health and Social Care maintains that government screening policies are informed by expert scientific advice. The Prime Minister has acknowledged the urgency of reviewing these matters. How many more lives will be lost before significant changes are made? One can only hope that the voices of these grieving families will lead to action.
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber