Fund-raising for research into the condition that claimed the life of a talented former Dover Athletic striker has been continued by the footballing  community. 

Paul Sykes, who used to play for Dover, collapsed and died during a match while playing for Folkestone Invicta in April 2005.  It was later discovered he had a heart defect. 

Paul, who was 28, left a wife, Carly, and young son, Thomas.  Last year his brothers, Peter and Patrick, ran the London Marathon in aid of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young, a charity which raises awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome and campaigns for screening for heart defects in young people and athletes. 

The charity supported the Sykes family and arranged for them to be tested for possible heart problems. 

On the second anniversary of Paul's death Whites fan Mark Jones tackled the London Marathon for CRY in memory of Paul and his brother Kevin, who died of a heart attack.  Mr Jones also witness another friend collapse and die in 1991, while playing football. 

Mr Jones raised £1,637 against a target of £1,500 and completed Sunday's marathon in just over four hours. 

Peter Sykes said: "We are amazed and so grateful that people have chosen to continue raising funds for CRY, which has been so helpful and supportive to us. 

"It reminds us how well--loved Paul was."