A YOUNG man whose heart stopped for 25 minutes has raised £8,500 to host an ECG screening clinic.

Around 200 local people aged between 14 and 35 will be offered free testing thanks to donations made to a special heart fund.

Tim Butt, 25, of Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, set up the campaign in partnership with charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, after he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2013.

It is thought a quick and simple electrocardiogram test could save the lives of 12 fit and healthy young people in Britain who die from undiagnosed heart conditions every week.

In 2012, Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch and was forced to retire from the sport after his heart stopped beating for 78 minutes.

Tim, who spent two days in an induced coma, said: “Shortly after coming out of hospital fitted with an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator it did not take me very long to start seriously raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young.

“I took on a number of challenges which have seen me cycle across South America and actively raise awareness of conditions like mine of hidden unknown heart disorders with no side effects until I dropped dead.

“I found it so alarming that something like this could happen to me, as a fit, aspiring sportsman without any idea that I had a heart condition.

“Cardiac in the Young provide young people the opportunity for heart screening. I think they do fantastic work and I’m proud to have raised money for such a day to take place in my home town of Billericay.”

An ECG test is a simple and painless way to identify heart abnormalities.

The screening session will take place at Billericay Town Football Club, in Blunts Wall Road, on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17.

Dr Steven Cox, director of screening at the charity, said: “The death of a young person is heartbreaking and devastating for any family. It is therefore essential that anyone with a potentially fatal heart condition knows about it.

“Without this knowledge and, if necessary, appropriate treatment, they could be putting their lives at risk as in 80 per cent of cases there are no symptoms or warning signs.

“Sport itself does not actually cause sudden cardiac death, but it can significantly increase a young person’s risk if they have an underlying condition.”