A HAMPSHIRE family’s fight to prevent future deaths from the rare heart condition that killed their daughter was a key catalyst for a £1 million health investment by the Government, it can be revealed.

Graham and Anne Hunter have spent two years campaigning for and installing lifesaving defibrillator machines in their Hampshire community following the death of their daughter Claire Reed.

Now a top politician has revealed his decision to set aside £1 million towards helping more communities pay for the machines was inspired by the Botley couple’s touching story.

Chancellor George Osborne sent them a personal letter thanking them for bringing it to his attention.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Claire, from Eastleigh, collapsed and died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) while celebrating at a hen do in Taunton in March 2013.

She was just 22, fit and healthy and had wed her husband Andy five months previously.

Since then her parents have helped install defibrillators in public places in their neighbourhood including Botley Village Hall.

The Daily Echo is also backing a campaign to install more defibrillators in Hampshire schools after 16-year-old pupil Sam Mangoro was saved with a one when he suffered a heart attack at Mountbatten School, Romsey.

Mr Osborne initially announced the funding during last month’s budget speech.

Now in his letter he writes: “I want you to know that it is thanks to your campaign that this has happened and it is thanks to you that more lives will be saved.

“You made the case very powerfully when we met and I am only glad to have been able to help in some way.

“You have suffered the tragedy that every parent dreads most.

“I know that nothing can lessen what you are going through but I do hope that this funding in Claire’s memory brings some comfort.”

Daily Echo:

Claire Reed

Mr Hunter is also contributing to a major consultation calling for national testing for the condition which kills 12 young people a week.

The UK National Screening Committee looking into preventing Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is due to report back later this month.

Earlier this year Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha invited the couple to separate private receptions at 10 Downing Street.

The Camerons congratulated them for their work in raising more than £41,000 for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity and for providing free SADS screening services for more than 700 young people.

Mr Hunter, 61, who lives in Salwey Road, said: “We are very shocked to receive the letter.

“But we are very pleased that he has set aside the funds.

“People say that politicians don’t listen but this shows that they do listen and that we can get things moving.

“It is all about creating a legacy in memory of Claire.”