A TEENAGER from Tenby, who was detected with a heart condition after a charity screening session, has spoken publicly about his life-changing diagnosis.

Sixteen-year-old Frank Arentz went along to the recent screening at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland, which was organised by CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and financed by the fund set up in memory of Dean Mason of Lampeter Velfrey.

After his test picked up an anomaly, he was eventually found to have a condition known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - a thickening of the heart muscle which can, if left undiagnosed and untreated, tragically lead to sudden cardiac death.

The talented rugby player has now had to give up the sport on the advice of cardiologists, who told him that his heart rate "must never hit 180 again".

Frank, a pupil at Monmouth School,was encouraged to go along to the session by his parents Erik and Hannah and his brother Finn, a professional triathlete, never dreaming that anything would be wrong.

He has now spoken out in a blog on the CRY website about coming to terms with the medical verdict.

He said: "My whole life was based around sport, and I grew up with intense sport being a huge part of my life. So, my diagnosis was a huge shock as I had totally expected a positive outcome. I told the squad, in the changing rooms, they would be losing a teammate...and as they went on to win the game, the realisation sank in, That day will never leave my memory."

However Frank has turned the diagnosis into an opportunity to take up new pursuits, including golf and photography, as well as coaching young rugby players and campaigning about the importance of general population heart screening.

His "amazing" attitude has been praised by CRY's chief executive, Dr Steven Cox. He commented: "What Frank's story has shown us is the importance of screening for young people who don't know of any family history, and preventing problems before it's too late."

The next local screening funded by the Dean Mason Memorial Fund will take place at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf on August 19 and 20.

Some places are still available, and to book go to testmyheart.org.uk