A SPONSORED walk to help young people with heart problems has raised about £10,000 for charity.

The biggest ever CRY Durham Riverside Walk was held along the River Wear in Durham City, on Saturday.

Organisers said 283 people took part in the 7km circular route,starting and finishing at Durham Amateur Rowing Club at the City Boathouse on Green Lane.

Jo Hudson, spokesman for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) said: “The walk takes in magnificent views of the Wear Valley and Durham’s historic cathedral and castle.

"Twelve apparently fit and healthy young people aged 35 and under die every week in the UK from undiagnosed cardiac

conditions.

“The event aims to raise funds to support those affected by young sudden cardiac death. CRY organised the event with help and support from a number of local families who have had personal experience of this devastating condition

“Hundreds of people took part in memory of a young person they have lost to young sudden cardiac death, to support a young person who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening cardiac condition or simply to raise awareness of CRY whilst enjoying a picturesque walk.”

CRY currently funds five doctors, for two years, who specialise in the field of inherited cardiac conditions, sudden cardiac death, screening and sports cardiology.

The research that they produce advances understanding of conditions that can lead to young sudden cardiac death.

Sponsorship and donations raised from the 2014 Durham Riverside Walk will go towards funding CRY's Research Fellowship Programme.