Thomas Lloyd, 36, the youngest of seven children raised in Portnall Road, Paddington, died on June 11 from the same affliction which killed Cameroon football star Marc-Vivien Foe just two weeks later.

Mr Lloyd was at the Claddagh Ring Pub in Church Road, Hendon, watching a football match on television with friends.

His family raised £2,113 at the Corrib Rest culture centre in Salisbury Road, Queens Park, on Saturday and all the money will go to the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), which provides medical information and a counselling service for bereaved families.

Recalling the tragic events, his brother Henry, 47, said: “Tom had never been to a doctor in his life and wasn’t into drink or drugs.

“He was a fit driving instructor and was at the pub watching a match.

“When it finished he excused himself to go to the loo but never came out.

“When the publican went in they discovered him sitting in a cubicle with the seat down.

“He had obviously felt unwell but it was too late – he was already dead.”

He added: “I got a phone call at 12.30 am and was absolutely gutted.

“My breath was taken away.  The drive to the hospital was horrendous.

“Although Tom was a bachelor and a hit with the ladies, all he ever wanted was to settle down and have a family.”

The coroner’s report said Mr Lloyd died from SADS, the same affliction which killed footballer Foe, 27, who collapsed on the pitch during the Confederation Cup semi-final in June.

CRY Chief Executive, Alison Cox, said around 3,500 people of all ages died from SADS every year.

She said: “My gut feeling is SADS is not new but identifying it is and these cases are increasing, although we don’t know why. 

“Often deaths are attributed to epilepsy, sudden falls, or drowning when it may be SADS.

“It is wonderful how somehow the Lloyd family turned around this very recent tragedy to help other people.

“Thomas was a very popular person and clearly much loved.”

More than 300 people attended the commemorative event, which went on until 1am and included an Irish folk/rock band and an exhibition of Thomas’s paintings.

His sister Christine said: “We would like to thank the owner of the Corrib Rest, Finbar, and the manager, Barry, for their kindness and generosity.

“The Lloyd family would also like to thank everybody who turned up and donated on the night.  We are all very grateful.

“Thank you for helping us to celebrate and remember our Tom.”