ALMOST a year to the day of the tragic death of Heswall man Tim Cogley, his dad will join a panel of sports stars to talk about a new charity in his name.

On April 9, 2017 Tim, 34, was discovered on Rocky Lane, Heswall after suffering a fatal heart attack due to a genetic condition.

This condition could have been managed if it had been diagnosed earlier.

Tim’s sudden death spurred his dad Frank to set up the ‘Tim Cogley Cardiac Screening Foundation’ to raise the profile of health checks for young people.

Now, working with universities in Liverpool, Frank will join legendary jockey Sir AP McCoy, champion boxer Paul Smith and Olympic sailor Matt McGovern at a free Randox Health Week event in Exchange Station on April 11 to discuss innovations in healthcare and raise the profile of early detection of heart conditions.

Frank told the Globe: “It’s been recently reported that at least 12 under-35s die from undiagnosed heart conditions every week in the UK.

“The current lack of routine screening of 18 to 40-year-olds leaves a gaping chasm in our healthcare provision.

“With our highly motivated partners, through events like this, we hope to redress this through lifestyle changes and preventative medical programmes.

“The Tim Cogley Cardiac Screening Foundation is committed to delivering positive, action-focused and life-changing programmes.

“I can’t imagine a legacy more in tune with the generous, kind and supportive person that was Tim.”

During the event, AP McCoy will also talk about preventable cases of Type 2 diabetes.

He said: “When I got my first test results back that said I had prediabetes, it floored me.

“I had never imagined that I, someone who had been a professional athlete all of my life, could develop it.

“It just goes to show that we’re all vulnerable.

“I only wish it had been around when it could have helped my mum who lived with Type-2 diabetes for many years.

“As daunting as it was getting the diagnosis, it’s been empowering to very simply make lifestyle changes to reverse it.

“This needs to be accessible to everyone – it needs to be on the national diabetes screening programme.”

This is the second year that Randox Health Week has been held in the city and the public are able to attend.

Managing director of Randox Health Dr Peter FitzGerald said: “The themes we’re focusing on this week are some of the most important global concerns facing us today – mental health, physical activity and showing people the benefits to being proactive about their health, rather than facing the consequences of preventable sickness.

“You need look no further than Frank who is working tirelessly to turn his son’s tragic death into a force for good to see how important this is.

“With the support from AP McCoy and Paul Smith, we hope this event will inspire many people in the city and beyond.”

Tickets are free and can be reserved at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/randox-health-week-2018-tickets-43648350391