FRIENDS and family of a teenager who died in September have come together to try and prevent further tragedies.

The fund was set up by parents Gareth and Andrea Joyce after their son Kieran died in his sleep from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.

Pupils from Weobley High School, where Kieran attended prior to his death, and his sister’s school, Whitecross, have boosted the Kieran Joyce Memorial Fund to a current total of £8,280.69.

The donations mean heart charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) can continue to provide vital heart screenings for young people across the UK – including one which will be held in Hereford in October.

According to the charity, 12 seemingly fit and healthy people aged 35 and under die from a previously undiagnosed heart condition every week.

Mr and Mrs Joyce have been “extremely moved” as students at Weobley raised £1,150 by wearing something red on Valentine’s Day, while Whitecross School raised a further £600 on the same initiative as well as hosting a cake sale, organised by Kieran’s sister Ruby.

Mrs Joyce said: “I am so grateful for all the hard work of the students at Weobley and Whitecross schools.

“The money raised will help CRY in its essential work screening young people and helping to prevent future tragedies.

“I hope that we can build on this important work and inspire as many schools as possible to wear red on Valentine’s Day every year to raise money for CRY and widen awareness of young sudden cardiac death.”

CRY chief executive Dr Steven Cox added it’s “moving” to see members of the local community supporting each other.

“It takes great courage to see beyond your own grief to fundraise and raise awareness to help stop others from ever having to go through the same devastating experience,” he said.

To donate visit bit.ly/39105vz