Two families are working as one to raise awareness of the condition that claimed the lives of their children.

Wilson Shepherd, 25, and Vicky Parker, 30, both died last year without any prior warning.

As a result, their parents have started the campaign to educate more people about Sudden Adult Death syndrome (SADs) and Cardiac Risk in Young (CRY).

Wilson was described as being fit and healthy right up until his deathWilson was described as being fit and healthy right up until his death (Image: Lesley Mease)

Lesley Mease, mum of Wilson, said: "Wilson was young, fit, healthy and well.

"He was a triathlete, coming second in his first ever half Iron Man in 2022 for his age group, and he also ran the Keswick to Barrow every May to raise lots of money for MND charity, a charity close to his heart after his uncle died from this awful disease.

"2022 also saw him achieve a first class honours degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, going onto do his Masters, which sadly he never got to finish."

SADs is a term used for when someone dies unexpectedly from cardiac arrest, with the causes not being clear.

Vicky alongside her two children, Evie-Mae and Dolly-RoseVicky alongside her two children, Evie-Mae and Dolly-Rose (Image: Donna Parker)

Vicky's mum Donna added: "Vicky was a young, fit, healthy mum of two young daughters, Evie-Mae and Dolly-Rose, and she worked full-time as a teaching assistant in a local primary school.

"She is missed more than words can describe, losing her has left us as a family lost and utterly heartbroken.

"Somehow we now have to try and keep Vicky’s memory alive, especially for our two gorgeous granddaughters."

Lesley, along with Vicky's parents Steve and Donna, is fundraising for CRY pots, which will be used to fund screening locally to 'try and save other young adults from dying'.

To help support this, the families will be releasing eco-friendly balloons from the Coast Road near Barrow at 7pm on August 24 with people invited to go along and back the cause in whatever way they can.

On October 5 and 26, a 'tropic party' and a big band night will also be held respectively, with more details to be revealed closer to the time.

A weekend's worth of screening normally costs £13,500, with one in every 300 people screened discovered to need help.

If you would like to make a donation to support screening efforts in Furness, you can visit here or here.