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Screening: Pupils respond to Michael’s legacy

Young people in Angus have delivered an overwhelming response to a cardiac campaign set up by a family in the wake of their own tragic loss.

Yesterday saw the first of two heart screening sessions at Arbroath High School, the alma mater of keen young musician Michael Cadman.

He was just 17 when his life was claimed by Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in December 2007.

The teenager’s family set up the MichaelCadmanMemorialFund, which has already supported a range of local organisations and events.

Yesterday they saw the first pupils undergo the non-invasive electrocardiogram (ECG) screening procedure which it is believed could save a dozen young lives across the country every week.

Michael’s parents, Ian and Jessie, and sister Jennifer have worked with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and the high school to deliver the screening programme at the secondary. It is the first of its kind in Angus. Mr Cadman said the initiative had been made possible by donations to a memorial fund for Michael, who left school for a BA in audio engineering at Perth College UHI before his death.

Ian thanked CRY for their ongoing support and praised Arbroath High headteacher Bruce Pandrich for backing the initiative from the outset.

He said: “Things started off slowly, but once the kids got it out there on social media we had all 200 places filled, and CRY were also good enough to squeeze in a few more youngsters.

“We feel that every child should be screened so that what happened to us doesn’t happen to other families.

“I think Michael would be pleased