A father who lost his son to an undiagnosed heart condition returned to a school, last week, with free heart screening treatment.

Romford Recorder: Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) visited The Campion School to screen pupil's hearts for possible undetected defects. Tom Chuter, 14 being screened by Joy and Peter PattersonCardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) visited The Campion School to screen pupil's hearts for possible undetected defects. Tom Chuter, 14 being screened by Joy and Peter Patterson (Image: Archant)

Peter Patterson, 76, has arranged for national charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to visit The Campion school, Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, for the past six years.

Sports-mad James, 28, who died in 2005, went to the school and played back row at Campion Rugby Club, in Cottons Park, Romford, for nine years.

“We screened 150 young people over the two days,” said Mr Patterson.

“Over the six years the scheme has been running, around 800 pupils have been screened with three per cent having to be referred back to their GP for further investigation.”

The school’s medical officer Tina Kennett said the screening went well.

“It is very important to have it done,” she said. “It can be sporty kids that it affects more than anyone.

“It is good to promote looking after yourself.

“Young people don’t know, just because they are fit and active doesn’t mean they are healthy.

“At the end of the day if it can pick up one or two each year it is worth it.”

It was only after James’ death that his family found out he had a heart condition.

Mr Patterson organised CRY going into the school in memory of his son, so that his death would not be in vain.