A mother determined to alert other families to a silent killer has organised a special fund-raising event to remember her daughter.

Deborah Barnes died from a sudden cardiac arrest, aged 36, in May last year, and Joyce Baff, her mother, held the charity day earlier this month to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 

Staff at Welland Residential Home all got in on the fund-raising act, with people giving up smoking, having their head shaved and setting up stalls, and have raised more than £700 for the charity.   

Mrs Baff, from Dogsthorpe, said: "It is vital that the message gets across to people about this silent killer.

"Debra was fit and healthy, like most people one day, and then it was like switching off a light. 

"Eight people die every week from the condition, and it s important for more research to be carried out into the condition.

"The day itself was a lovely day, and we received plenty of support from everyone. 

"We made £400 on the day alone, and have had lots more pouring in since then.