THE father of a talented young runner who died during a race has called for health checks to detect the killer-heart condition which tragically cut short his son's life.

Granville Staff, whose 17-year-old son David died in 1994, said the condition Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy kills around four young people each week.

Granada's World in Action will screen a programme about the condition next month and researchers have been in touch with the Staff family to discuss the possibility of including the teenager's story in a 30-minute documentary.

Mr Staff said: "We didn't know much about the condition until it struck down our son. We now know David's story is a classic case. He was a smashing lad, strong, athletic and active with no history of illness.

"We hadn't realised that around four young people die each week from the same condition and that it affects one in every 500 of the population. It is the main cause of sudden death in young people under the age of 35. We want the government to introduce screening for everybody and are happy to take part in anything which may help others."

The condition can be hereditary but doctors have given the Staff family from Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, the all-clear.

David's parents have joined the national Cardiomyopathy Association to raise funds and promote awareness of the condition. Darwen Dashers, the running club of which David was a member, donated £200 from their annual Christmas fell race now held in his memory.

Next month Mr Staff and David's uncle Ken Sibbering take part in the London Marathon with sponsorship from Crown Paints. Anyone who would like to sponsor them can ring 701807.

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