THE parents of two men who died from undetected heart conditions today urged people to take up the remaining few places at a lifesaving screening session.

Irene Wickers, of Cyprus Street, Darwen, and Granville Staff, of Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, announced they only had 12 out of 40 places left for the free event which is due to be held later this month.

In a bid to raise money for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity and the Neil and David Memorial Fund, Irene and Granville will be taking along an £8,000 mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) machine which can help detect up to 90 per cent of undiagnosed heart conditions in young people.

Irene's son Neil, 31, died from undetected heart problems in August 1996 after he collapsed at the Albion Mill gym, Ewood, in Blackburn.

David Staff, 17, died after collapsing near the end of the 10k Darwen Dashers Road Race in 1994. He was found to have been suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -- a condition that occurs as a result of a thickening of the heart muscle.

The families also raised £466.77 at this year's Darwen Petticoat Lane Market and thanked everyone for their support.

Irene said: "We still have about 12 places left for the screening event which we hope people will come along to and which perhaps might help save someone's life."

"Petticoat Lane was an absolutely brilliant event. We have never raised so much money in one session and would like to thank everyone who helped us, including the organisers who put on a wonderful weekend of activities."

To take part in the free screening event you must be aged between 14 -35 and can make an appointment by telephoning Irene on 01254 707895 or Granville on 01254 701807.

The event will take place at the education and training department at Darwen Access Point, Duckworth Street, on Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1.