A GRANDMOTHER who has spent more than two years raising cash to buy an electrocardiogram machine so that "all children in Worcester have the opportunity to be tested for heart defects" has realised her dream.

The machine bought by Joy Powell, the Worcester representative for the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), is now in a city doctor's surgery.

She will also take it into the community to carry out subsidised screenings.

CRY, whose patrons include renowned heart surgeon Professor William McKenna, claims young people are dying unnecessarily of heart defects which could be picked up by a simple scan.

"It only takes three-minutes to save a life," said Mrs Powell, who started Worcester CRY in 1998 after her best friend's 20-year-old son, Craig Rampton, died instantly when he collapsed on a sports pitch. She has so far raised £10,000.

It was later discovered Craig was suffering from an enlarged heart muscle, a condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM.

HCM is one of eleven major causes of unexpected cardiac death in young people, known collectively as Sudden Death Syndrome, which kills an estimated four British youngsters every week.

The defect can be carried for life, with or without symptoms - which include breathlessness, dizziness and palpitations - and does not necessarily cause death. Conversely, a seemingly fit and healthy person can drop dead suddenly, having shown no symptoms.

While routine scanning is mandatory in countries such as the United States and Italy, in Britain it is only available to families with a history of the hereditary condition.

"I promised people while I was doing my begging that the money collected would stay in Worcester, and this is what's happened," said Mrs Powell.

"CRY has got quite a lot in the pot for Worcester, which means we can go ahead and start screening and it won't be just for the rich people. It will be for everybody."

Mrs Powell intends carrying out subsidised screenings among youngsters aged 14 to 25 at community centres and sports clubs which, she hopes, will hold fund-raising events to help with the cost.

When the scanner is not being used in the community, it will be put to use at Berwyn House Surgery, in Shrubbery Avenue.

"We're happy to be supporting the charity and we're more than happy for our work to dovetail into CRY's work," said Dr Michael Sorenson, who has been at the practice since 1980 and is also chairman of Worcester City Football Club.

"Any charity that can raise money for equipment to improve patient services is more than welcome. The government is certainly failing to do so."

For further information call Mrs Powell on 01905 820895.