PARENTS Iain and Marie Readshaw are calling for greater awareness of the rare medical condition which claimed the lives of their son and daughter. And it is a call which we are happy to support.

It is impossible to imagine how the Readshaw family have coped with the incredible series of tragedies which has blighted their lives.

To lose their daughter, Ann-Marie, and then son, Daniel, in almost identical circumstances two years apart, defies belief. An inquest into Daniel's death yesterday heard that the brother and sister died in swimming pools - both aged 13 - as a result of a rare heart condition apparently triggered by cold water.

Now, the family, who later lost another daughter - ten-year-old Catherine from leukaemia - want to do what they can to protect others from having to endure the same sadness.

The heart condition, identified as Long QT Syndrome, was not picked up by doctors when Ann-Marie fainted three times. Had there been greater knowledge about the syndrome, it may have been possible to have Daniel tested, as the Readshaw's remaining two children now have been.

Yesterday's inquest was told that schoolchildren in America are routinely tested for the condition, but there is clearly a lack of awareness in this country which needs to be urgently addressed.

The Readshaw family have shown tremendous courage, fortified by the admirable care of the close-knit local community. That courage should not be overlooked.

Nothing can bring back their children. But they will find comfort from the knowledge that everything possible is being done to safeguard other families from an unseen killer.