A day of specialist screening will be led by experts from the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Music student James Markham was just 21 when he died suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition in November 2001.
It was later found to be the ‘hidden heart syndrome’ Long QT, which can lead to fatal disturbances in the heart’s rhythm.
His death devastated, friends, family and the wider community, but his parents, Jeff and Sandra, pledged to devote their time to fund-raising for CRY.
As a family, they found the strength to challenge the initial cause of death presented to them after James’ inquest.
Unsatisfied with the term ‘natural causes’, Jeff and Sandra embarked on a two-year battle to find out much-needed answers.
Finally, tests concluded James died from Long QT syndrome. There was also relief when further tests showed their daughter, Abi, was not at risk from the condition.
Since then, Jeff has dedicated time to helping other families navigate the investigative system following the sudden cardiac death of a loved one.
In partnership with CRY, he has developed a new resource A Guide to the Coroners Services.
Jeff and Sandra also established a Walk and Talk group for London and Middlesex, providing a welcoming environment for bereaved individuals to come together.
The initiative has now been successfully rolled out across other areas of the UK.
To date, the Markhams have raised more than £30,000 for CRY, through the James Markham Memorial Fund.
Even though their involvement with CRY spans almost 25 years, the screening event on June 14 (being held at James’ former school, Warrender Primary in Ruislip Manor) will be the first ever cardiac screening they have pro-actively funded.
Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of CRY), said: “Their commitment to supporting other families through those early dark and difficult days following a sudden death is remarkable and unfailing.
“Jeff has played such an important role in helping to shape and improve the ways in which young sudden cardiac deaths are properly investigated.
“Their Walk and Talk initiative has also created a lasting impact, providing a unique opportunity for bereaved families to meet with others who have also been affected.”
Most CRY screenings take place in community settings (such as schools, colleges, church halls and sports clubs) across the UK.
Around twice a month, cohorts of young people are also screened for free at CRY’s National Screening Centres, based in Leatherhead and Manchester.
Jeff added: “We are holding this screening not just in our James’s memory, but all the other young people who have tragically died of undiagnosed heart conditions. .
“Our thanks to friends and family, Tesco Supply Chain, The 41 Club of Northwood and the Kelmarsh Choir for helping us to raise the necessary funds and to Mrs Brown, head teacher at Warrender Primary, for allowing us to use the school.
“James’s sudden death had such a devastating impact on our lives but, thanks to the amazing support from CRY, family and friends, we have slowly been able to rebuild our lives.”