A 'very emotional' village charity day generated more than £1,000 in memory of two young people who died suddenly of undetected heart problems  Bllisworth residents Laura Hillier and Timmy Spooner died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) at the age of 21, five years apart.

Villagers from Blisworth got together with residents of Milton Malsor on Sunday at Milton Malsor Football Club to take part in a football match and races to raise money and awareness for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity. 

Nadine Howes, whose daughter Natalie was Mr Spooner's girlfriend when he died, said: "It was very upsetting at times and very emotional.  In parts, being there was not an easy thing to do.  Some of us were struggling.  'But it raised more awareness of CRY and the condition, so in lots of way it was a very successful day.  'Hidden heart problems, which are believed to be hereditary, can actually be detected with relatively simple tests. 

After that the youngster can be fitted with a pacemaker or given medication that can allow them to lead a normal life. 

Mrs Howes had hoped to raise about £1,000 but that total was surpassed before Sunday's event by villagers who took pat in events including a raffle. 

The day itself raised more money, which will be added to the final total, with all the cash raised divided between the funds set up in memory of the two youngsters. 

Joan Hillier, Laura's mum, said the day was very worthwhile but tinged with emotion.  Laura died in 2003 after collapsing at her dad Tony's GP surgery in Blisworth.  Mrs Hillier said: "People were very, very generous and more than they needed to be really.  I was selling pin badges and people were handing me fivers and telling me to keep the change, which was lovely.  It was successful but full of mixed emotions for everyone. 

The family of Jade Johnstone, from Duston, the nine-year-old Lyncrest Primary School pupil who died of the syndrome during a school swimming lesson last year, were also at the event.  Mrs Hillier said: "It's good that some families who have lost their child in the same way can get together.  No one else can understand what we have gone through.'