I WAS saddened to read (LT, January 10) of the sudden death of Mark Christian Allott (pictured) at the age of 36.

Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew Mark.

SADS UK is often contacted by people whose lives have been shattered when a seemingly healthy young person dies so unexpectedly.

SADS UK offers information and support to families that have been affected by a sudden death.

The charity has six medical advisors who are specialists with regard to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

The charity recommends that other family members be tested for cardiac conditions as it could be genetic.

SADS UK is working to improve understanding of conditions and symptoms that may indicate a person is at risk.

The charity distributes ‘The Warning Signs’ to training schools, medical establishments, schools and other youth organisations and especially highlights the fact that young people can suffer from cardiac conditions.

SADS UK has urged Government to introduce cardiac assessment at the GP surgery to question family and personal medical history to identify people at risk of SADS.

The charity is also urging the installation of life saving external defibrillators in all schools.

Awareness and underst-anding are fundamental in preventing loss of further life. The warning signs are: Family history of unexpected, unexplained sudden death of an apparently healthy person.

Fainting (syncope) or seizure during physical activity, especially if it happens repeatedly.

Fainting (syncope) or seizure resulting from emotional excitement, emotional distress, startle or on arousal from sleep.

Consistent or unusual chest pain and/or abnormal shortness of breath during exercise.

Anne Jolly, SADS UK