A CHARITY launched in memory of a 21-year-old who died from a hidden heart defect will hold screenings at Langtree Park this November.

The James Nicholas Foundation was launched by the family of the former Carmel student who died days before his 22nd birthday in October 2012.

The family has given its support for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), an organisation which aims to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death and promotes heart screening programmes.

And they have made it their mission to raise funds to be able to hold heart screenings, having had them at Carmel College last year and at Langtree Park last November.

The aim is to have 200 people tested this time round over two days and for the screenings to be a regular event.

James' dad Kevin Nicholas says he wants to hold the screenings to ensure people do not go through the same tragedy that he has and encourages as many as possible to be screened.

"People often say I'm not ill but James wasn't ill, that isn't the point," he said.

"It's painless and takes roughly 15 minutes to get a heart screening and last year we had people travelling from all over."

Screenings take place on Friday, November 11 and Saturday 12 starting at 9am. To book a place see 'The James Nicholas Foundation' on Facebook or visit thejamesnicholasfo.wix.com/charity.

Saturday's screenings are fully booked but any no-shows will be advertised on the Facebook page.