RESIDENTS from the area have worked hard to raise thousands of pounds in memory of a Kendal man who died from an undetected heart defect.

Aaron Dixon was 23 years-old when he suddenly died in 2011 from an undiagnosed genetic heart defect.

Since his death, Aaron’s mum Debbie Dixon has decided to put all of her energy into raising awareness and encouraging young adults between the age of 14 and 35 to be screened.

Mrs Dixon, along with friends Elaine Nelson and Andrew Richardson, and with the help of the charity Cardiac Risk in Young (CRY), are now raising money so that young adults in the South Lakes could be screened.

At least £10,000 is needed to cover the costs of screening over two days.

Kendal Leisure Centre (Better), has kindly donated their premises for free for a two-day screening event on August 1 and 2 next year.

According to the charity CRY, every week across the nation at least 12 fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions.

General Manager Darren Eccles said: “We are very keen to hold this vital screening at Kendal Leisure Centre to help support the local community.”

A team of residents from the South Lakes has come together and organised events to help reach the ambitious £10,000 target.

Family friends Andrew and Adele Richardson, along with Matthew Nelson, organised a special golf day at Crook Golf Course.

Around 40 people attended the event, which was held on May 12, and it included a presentation and a raffle as well as a game of golf.

Mrs Nelson wanted to express her thanks to Carus Green Golf Club, Whitby and Co, and KT Blinds for donating prizes.

More than £800 was raised that day.

Halifax also kindly match-fund the event with a total amount of £500.

Last Monday there was another fantastic turnout with at least 200 people showing up for a night of Bingo.

Held at Kendal Town Hall the event was organised by Marlene and Tommy Wilson, who were also helped by Shaun Atkinson.

There was a wealth of prizes to be won on the night that had been kindly donated by several local businesses.

Mrs Nelson said that “everyone has mucked in” to help and raise as much money as possible for an important cause.

To donate and help make the screening possible in the South Lakes go on: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Elaine-Nelson8