As Paul Sykes' brothers crossed the London Marathon finish line it brought tears to their eyes to think their brother would have been proud of their efforts.   

Paul, a former Dover Athletic player, collapsed and died in April last year while playing for Folkestone Invicta against another of his old teams, Margate.  He was 28 and left a widow, Carly and young son, Thomas.  His family later discovered he had a heart defect. 

The Sykes launched a fundraising drive to raise money for research into the condition that claimed Paul's life, supporting a charity called CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young. 

A major part of their fund-raising saw Paul's brothers Peter and Patrick run the London Marathon. 

Peter, who lives in Monins Road, even exceeded his four-hour prediction, crossing the line in three hours and 52 minutes, while Patrick was pleased with his time of just under five hours. 

He said: "Paul would definitely have been proud of us.  I was thinking of him when I had the last mile to do.  It brought a few tears, as we crossed the line and thought: "That's for you Paul." 

"I also really enjoyed the atmosphere.  During the last three miles, the crowds pack in tight and chant to help you through." 

The brothers are on course to raise £1,200. 

Peter's wife Clare was at the finishing line to cheer her husband home.

She said: "Peter has been so strong, through losing Paul and having the family screened for possible heart problems.  I am so proud of the way he has dealt with such a terrible thing.  He has always wanted to the London Marathon and I shed a few tears.  Not for sadness, just for being a very proud wife." 

Peter can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/petersykes, or call 07787 326617. 

Mother comforted by words of kindness

Paul's mother, Patricia, has thanked everyone in Kent for their kind words about Paul, which has reinforced how well-loved her son was. 

This weekend saw the Syko challenge, a match played in Margate with teams made up of footballers from across the county who knew Paul. 

Mrs Sykes said: "The fact Paul's life touched so many gives me great comfort.  I will never come to terms with losing Paul, but knowing there are so many special people out there helps me through. 

"I would like to thank the whole family for their support. 

"Paul does live on, through his son Thomas, who has that same frown.  That gives me comfort and I am glad we let Paul do what he wanted with his football career in those early years."