A HAMPSHIRE father has set up a fresh round of health tests to detect the rare heart condition which claimed his daughter's life.

Graham Hunter has already organised more than 1,000 free screenings following the death of his daughter Claire Reed from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) three years ago.

Now he is inviting people to a new series of health checks taking place in Eastleigh in the autumn.

But he has warned time is running out to register. Half the appointments were snapped up within 24 hours of being announced.

The latest appointments available at Fleming Park Leisure Centre.

As previously reported by the Echo, Claire, 22, collapsed and died while celebrating at a hen do in Taunton, Somerset, in March 2013 - just five months after her marrying her partner Andy.

A coroner ruled the young accountant - who was fit and healthy - died of SADS.

The illness – which often goes undetected - kills an estimated 12 people aged under 35 a week.

Since her death the family have regularly arranged mass screenings for youngsters, run in partnership with the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity which raises awareness of the condition.

The next sessions run on the weekends of October 15 and 16 and October 29 and 30 from 9am-4pm and have a combined space for 400 young people aged 14-35.

But appointments for the first weekend have already been booked up.

The test involves experts taking an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart’s electrical activity and identify any abnormality.

Daily Echo:

Andy Reed and Graham Hunter warn time is running out to get a free screening

Mr Hunter estimates that around 30 people (three per cent) of those tested have been found to suffer complications - including himself who has been fitted with a Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator to monitor his heartbeat.

The family is funding the tests with some of the £55,000 it has raised since her death.

Mr Hunter said: "We are very pleased to offer these new sessions for young people. We went through a tsunami of grief after losing Claire. But helping others means her legacy can live on and can help other families avoid such a horrible experience."

The free screenings - normally costing £250 privately - are available to book at testmyheart.org or by calling 0203 691 0000.