A SPECIAL heart-screening programme will take place in memory of an 18-year-old who died suddenly from a heart attack suffered while playing football.

Jack Atkinson, 18, from Clacton, was playing for Holland FC Under-18s on November 14 when he collapsed on the pitch.

Holland FC is now organising a special heart-screening for young people via the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Youngsters from football clubs across the area have been invited to get checked at the former Bishop’s Park College site in Jaywick Lane on July 8 and 9.

Mark Sorrell, chairman of the club, said: “When Jack died it affected the whole club and we are doing this in his memory. If we can save just one person who had an undiagnosed heart defect, it will be worthwhile.

“We would like to thank Tony Armstrong from Harwich, who is kindly donating the money for the heart screening to take place in memory of Jack.”

Tony launched the Marcus Armstrong Fund after his 28-year-old son, a keen golfer, died suddenly in 2006 from an undetected heart condition.

His family pledged to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young so other young people in the area could be screened to pick up any heart problems early.

A similar event held in Harwich found two youngsters with previously undetected heart conditions, potentially saving their lives.

Cardiac Risk in the Young held a screening clinic at the Holiday Inn in Eight Ash Green last October in memory of Andrew Gard.

Andrew, who was a student at Colchester Royal Grammar School, died suddenly just before his 18th birthday.

His family have been long-time supporters of CRY.

About 100 people were screened in Colchester in his memory.

Mr Sorrell added: “We have 200 spaces available for people to be checked and we’ll open it up to the public next month if spaces become available.

“We hope we don’t find anyone with a heart defect but if we do find someone has an undetected heart problems then it could help to prevent another tragedy.”