RYEDALE MP Kevin Hollinrake has pledged his support to the charity CRY, which offers research, support and screening for those affected by a sudden and unexpected death of a young person.

Mr Hollinrake said: “I had no idea that as many as 12 young people die every week from an undiagnosed heart condition.

“Most of them die at night in their sleep with no one there to help them.

“This means that 12 families are left devastated by this inexplicable loss of a loved one and I can only begin to imagine the terrible devastation this must cause.”

The reception at Westminster in support of CRY was also attended by two of Mr Hollinrake’s constituents, Melanie Gooder and her sister-in-law Miranda Osborne, who suffered their own loss last year when Miranda’s 25-year-old daughter Amy, who had been fit, happy and healthy, died suddenly with no warning.

Mrs Gooder said: “My family has been so grateful to CRY for the support we have had since my niece Amy’s sudden death.

“Up to date, with generous efforts of friends and family, we have raised £50,000 for Amy’s Memorial Fund and will be using this money to start heart screening in North Yorkshire next year.”

CRY, which was set up in 1995 by Alison Cox MBE, supports families by providing bereavement counselling to parents, siblings, friends and family. The support goes beyond emotional help; after a young sudden death, it is vital that first degree blood relatives are tested by a specialist.

Speaking after the reception Mr Hollinrake said: “I am pleased that so many of parliamentary colleagues from both Houses attended the event and I would encourage as many people as possible to join me in pledging their support to this fantastic charity.”