Compulsory testing key after Joe dies at 20

parents Joanna and Simon Halliwell with Olympic swimmer James Goddard at the Swim a Mile fund-raising event in his memory

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THE mother of a young man who died from a sudden death syndrome is fighting to get compulsory testing in schools.

Joanna Halliwell, an Oldham swimming teacher, lost her son Joe (20) after he collapsed in Werneth Low, Hyde, earlier this year while riding his bike.

Joe’s heart problem duplicated that of Premier League footballer Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed during a game.

“Fortunately for Muamba there were paramedics and a heart surgeon present- but for most who suffer from the condition there isn’t, like when Joe collapsed.

“Most will never know what is wrong with them unless they are screened.”

Joanna (44), a private swimming teacher in Oldham for 10 years, and her husband Simon are now determined to raise money for charoty Cardiac Risk in the Young. They want more electrocardiograph machines to be available across the UK.

Joanna organised a “swim a mile” sponsored swim at Oldham Hulme Grammar Schools attended by 84 swimmers and Olympic swimmer James Goddard, who presented certificates and badges.

“We would love for ECG machines to be available for all people aged 14 to 35. If this was done in Joe’s school, maybe his condition could have been discovered.”

One in 500 people have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a condition that can cause young sudden cardiac death, according to the charity. This makes the condition five times more common than Cystic Fibrosis. At least 12 young people die suddenly each week in the UK of cardiac abnormalities.

Since Joe’s death thousands of pounds have been raised from various events, including £1,300 by his uncle, James Beckett, who performed a triathlon in Thailand.

A total of £1,500 has been collected from the sponsored swim, but Joe’s mum said a lot more is set to roll in.

Visit the family’s web page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Joseph for information.