A MUM who lost her son suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition is preparing to lead an annual charity walk in his memory.

Linda Smith, of Langley Park, will lead a group of around 40 friends and family at the ninth annual CRY Heart of Durham Walk, in memory of her son, Robert who died suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition in April 2014.

Robert, 22, was in his final year at York St John University.

The walk will see around 300 supporters of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) take to the streets of Durham for the event on Saturday, October 6.

Every week in the UK, at least 12 people under the age of 35 die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80 per cent of cases, there will have been no warning signs or symptoms.

CRY’s pioneering screening programme now tests around 27,000 young people aged 14 to 35 every year.

Ms Smith said: “Robert’s sudden death devastated our family and sent shockwaves throughout the entire community as well hitting his friends hard, both those at home and studying in York. Like Robert, they were in their early twenties with their futures lying ahead of them and could not comprehend that something like this could happen to someone so young and seemingly healthy.

“We were numb, we were overwhelmed with grief, but we couldn’t let Robert’s death be in vain so, after finding CRY, we pledged to do all we could to raise funds and awareness and to prevent other families from going through the same traumatic experience as us.”

To date, the Robert Daniel Smith Memorial Fund has raised more than £32,000 leading to the screening of 400 young people from across County Durham.

Ms Smith added: “This will be the fourth time I’ve taken part in CRY’s Heart of Durham Walk and it remains an extremely important and poignant event for me and all those who will walk by my side on the day. Once again, the route will take us through the City Centre, allowing us to make a real impact and educate others about young sudden cardiac death and the work CRY does to prevent these all too often preventable tragedies.”

Dr Steven Cox, Chief Executive of CRY, said: “Every year, we’re always so touched by the warm welcome given to us from the people of Durham and the North-East, as well as the incredible dedication and commitment of those families living in the region who have been affected by young sudden cardiac death. Linda is a true example of this and we are immensely grateful for her fundraising achievements and enduring support.”

The event begins at 11am, taking an 8km circular route, starting and finishing at Durham Amateur Rowing Club. Walker should arrive at the club between 9.30am and 10am.

Registration costs £12 or £15 on day for adults but free of charge for those who are accompanied by an adult and aged 16 and under.