Free heart screenings will return to Aberaeron later this month in memory of two young men who died following half marathons.

Welsh charity Calon Hearts is holding the event at the Feathers Hotel in Alban Square on Saturday, 31 October, offering free appointments for people aged 15½ to 26.

The screening day honours Ben McDonald, who died aged 25 after the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2018, and Kory Russell, also 25, who collapsed at the finish of London's Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2025 and later died in hospital.

Their families have supported the charity's work to raise awareness of potentially life-threatening heart conditions which can go undetected, even among apparently fit and healthy young people.

According to Cardiac Risk in the Young, at least 12 people aged 35 and under die suddenly from heart conditions every week in the UK. Around 80 percent had experienced no prior symptoms. A major study published in 2026, examining more than 104,000 young people screened through the charity's programme, identified potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions in approximately one in every 300 participants.

The free Aberaeron appointments include an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the heart's electrical activity, and consultation with a cardiologist. An ultrasound scan of the heart, known as an echocardiogram, may also be provided where clinically indicated.

Part-funded screening is available to those aged 27 and over for £300, including both tests and a consultant cardiologist's assessment.

Calon Hearts also works to improve access to community defibrillators and CPR training. Although screening can detect some hidden conditions, no test can identify every possible risk.

Those aged under 18 must attend with an adult guardian.

A further screening day is scheduled for St Mary's Church Hall in Cardigan on Sunday, 1 November.

Appointments can be booked at calonhearts.org/screenings or by calling 02922 402670.