1 in 300 young people has a hidden heart complaint: Lichfield man's quest to save lives in memory of his son

Anthony Lane was a young man who seemed to have it all. A mechanical engineer on Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 team, he appeared to be in good health, and liked to keep fit. Finding himself alone at home one Saturday morning in October 2022, he used the time to have a workout on his exercise bike.

And then his partner returned home to find him unresponsive on the floor.

“West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance attended but unfortunately Anthony had already passed away,” said Anthony’s father Paul Lane, who lives in Lichfield.

“It is believed that Anthony had an undiagnosed heart condition, from which he had no symptoms.”

According to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry), about 12 people aged 14-35, die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. Eighty per cent of these deaths will occur with no prior symptoms. Mr Lane is backing the charity’s campaign for mass testing of young people for heart complaints, which could potentially lead to these diseases being treated before they manifest themselves in symptoms.

This week (June 14) the Lane family, with the backing of Cry and Rotary Club of Wylde Green, organised a heart-screening event at Sutton Coldfield FC, in Anthony’s memory.

More than 105 young people turned out for the event, also attended by Sutton Coldfield MP Sir Andrew Mitchell, mayor of Sutton Coldfield Councillor Nitish Raut and Councillor Clare Horrocks. Three were referred for further investigation, potentially saving their lives.

Cry works to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research and supporting affected families – something for which past president Mr Lane and his family have been very grateful.

Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of the charity, said: “Our screening team was so pleased to return to Sutton Coldfield again, thanks to the incredible and tireless fundraising and awareness work carried out by Paul and Penny Lane, in memory of their son Anthony.

“We never underestimate the courage and strength it takes for bereaved families to see beyond their own devastating grief and to do all they can to prevent another family or individual from ever having to endure a similar tragedy.

“These regional events in the West Midlands are clearly having a real impact and I’d like to express my thanks to all those involved in making them happen.”

The charity uses a simple, non-invasive test called an electrocardiogram or ECG, which is reviewed by a consultant cardiologist. If a young person is found to have an abnormality, Cry will also then carry out an echocardiogram screening, or ultrasound, and ongoing, more in-depth investigations, as necessary.

The charity says one in every 300 people tested will be identified with a potentially life-threatening condition.

Each screening session costs £6,800. So far, the charity has carried out three screenings in the area, and has plans for two more, thanks in part to £19,500 in funding from Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust.