Family and friends of a young Wearside man who died from a rare heart disorder are preparing to “firewalk” in his memory.

Dozens of daredevil volunteers will tread over 20 ft. of hot ashes to raise cash for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), in memory of 22-year-old Levon Morland, from West Rainton, who died last January.

The event will take place on 8 November outside the Greyhound pub in West Rainton, and Levon’s twin Aran will be among those taking part.

The walk was organised by Levon’s friend, Susan Briscoe, 27, from West Rainton, after she read about sponsored firewalks on CRY’s website.

She said: “I feel a little bit scared about it, but we want to raise as much money as possible.  About 30 people so far are doing it, including Aran and some of Levon’s other friends.

“I was reading the CRY website one day when I saw the fire walk and decided we should do it.  We get two hours training beforehand.

“We want as many people as possible to come along to the event, even if they don’t want to take part.”

Levon, who worked at Consignia’s call centre in Sunderland, suffered from Wolfe Parkinson White disease, which causes heart flutters.

The former Belmont Comprehensive School pupil died in his sleep after a night out, and the family were flooded with sympathy messages from friends, villagers in West Rainton and workmates.

Susan said:  “Levon was great.  He used to work sometimes at my Mum and Dad’s pub.  No matter who he was talking to, he made them feel happy.”

Levon’s family became involved with CRY after his death to help raise awareness of the campaign to cut the risk of sudden death in young people with heart conditions.

They are hoping to raise £20,000 for a mobile scan unit and have already reached £14,000, thanks to a series of fundraising events.