Ryan Carter, a 25-year-old man described as 'perfectly well', died unexpectedly in his bedroom just minutes after having a normal lunch with his girlfriend in 2019. His mother, Sue Carter from Totton, Hampshire, has spoken out about the tragedy to raise awareness of undiagnosed heart conditions in young people.
No warning signs before death
'He was perfectly well before; he showed absolutely no signs anything was wrong that day,' Sue Carter said. 'They had enjoyed lunch and had gone upstairs to the bedroom. His girlfriend left the room for a matter of minutes, and when she returned Ryan was lying dead on the bed.'
Despite immediate CPR from his girlfriend and the arrival of an air ambulance, Ryan could not be revived. A post-mortem examination initially showed no cause of death. 'It was like he had just gone to sleep and not woken up,' Sue added.
Charity reveals hidden heart condition
After the tragedy, Sue was referred to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). There, she learned that Ryan had suffered from a little-known heart condition that can develop during puberty. 'When some youngsters go through puberty their heart rhythm can change. If they have a weakness in their heart or the blood vessels leading to it, which is undiagnosed, the change can eventually lead to a cardiac arrest,' she explained.
Sue said she was shocked to learn that around 35 youngsters aged 14 to 35 die each week from similar undiagnosed conditions. 'I had never heard of it before what happened to Ryan.'
Family screenings and fundraising
Sue and her other children underwent heart screenings and were given the all-clear. However, the experience motivated her to take action. 'Afterwards it got me thinking about how Ryan's life could have been saved if he had been screened. I wanted to do what I could to stop any other family going through the horrendous ordeal we have. So I looked into organising heart screenings for youngsters.'
She began fundraising after learning that a heart screening day, including an ECG and echogram, costs around £7,000. The first screening included some of Ryan's friends, and at least one was found to be at risk. 'If people are found to have any concerns they are then referred on to a cardiac specialist to receive the treatment they need. At the first screening 25 youngsters were referred for further investigation. To me, that represented 25 families that would not receive that horrific knock at the door that we did to tell us Ryan was dead.'
Remembering Ryan
Sue described Ryan as a 'mini-me' who was passionate about environmental issues. 'He was very caring, he wanted to help everyone. He volunteered for the coastguard and was also involved with the local police commissioner helping the homeless. He was very into politics and wanted to change the world. Ryan had such a bright future.'
Ryan was studying economics at college at the time of his death.
Call for NHS-funded screenings
Sue has found comfort in organising the heart screening days. 'Something good had to come out of his death. I want to get the awareness out there of what can happen. Screening takes minutes but it is not NHS funded, which really makes me angry. It could save so many lives.'
Her next screening day is being held at Totton College on July 18, and she hopes to hold another in April next year. Sue, who was nominated for a Pride of Britain award for her campaign, said: 'I am appealing for donations to keep the screening going and also to youngsters to sign up for one. It is easy but it could save your life and save your family from having to go through the terrible pain we have.'
To find out more and donate, visit c-r-y.org.uk/ryan-carter.
