The brothers of former Dover Athletic footballer Paul Sykes have launched a fund-raising drive to raise money for research into the condition that claimed his life. 

Mr Sykes was playing for Folkestone Invicta, against another of his old teams, Margate, in April last year, when he collapsed.  It was later discovered he had a heart defect. 

His brothers, Peter and Patrick, will tackle the London Marathon on April 23 for a charity called CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young.  They hope to raise £1,200 each. 

The charity aims to raise awareness of the condition, promote heart screening and offer support to those bereaved by the condition.  Mr Sykes' family have since discovered that while other countries screen sportsmen for cardiac defects, nothing similar exists in the UK. 

A fund-raising quiz takes place on March 25 in the Centre Spot, at Crabble Athletic ground, at 7.30pm. 

Anyone who can help Peter and Patrick Sykes with sponsorship can call on 07797 326617.