Medics and charity staff held a conference to raise awareness of a fatal disease that can strike without warning.

The conference was told there can be early indicators of heart problems in some people and raising awareness could help save some of the 12 lives lost each week to the disease.

It was launched by our patron, Martin Johnson.

Steve said: "The conference went amazingly well. It was about creating awareness so Sads is approached in the same way as other medical issues.

"With awareness, we can reduce the loss of young lives.

"We cannot stand back and do nothing and this conference is something we want to establish as an annual thing."

Dr Ffion Davies, consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, played a key role in organising the conference.

She said: "Many people assume nothing can be done to prevent deaths cause by Sads but this isn't true.

"Some people show warning signs and with greater awareness they would be more likely to talk to their parents or GP.

"Even with no warning, if CPR is started within a minute of collapse and electrical defibrillation of the heart within eight minutes, the chances of survival are greatly improved."

Read more at Leicester Mercury