Hospital launches fundraiser for SADS screening service

The Mater Hospital in Dublin has launched a fundraising drive to raise money for a screening service for the relatives of people who die from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

Medical experts estimate that one Irish person under the age of 35 dies suddenly from genetic heart diseases every week.

Most victims are active youngsters who report no symptoms before their fatal collapse.

Close relatives of these people are believed to be most at risk of also suffering a sudden death and the Mater is now hoping to set up a screening facility in an effort to identify cardiac defects.

Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen, Cork hurler Kevin Quinn and Irish under-21 rugby international John McCall have all died from SADS in the past year.