One year since Paul Sykes died, his brother Peter hopes that when he needs inspiration getting through the London Marathon a giant number nine or 10 will descend from the sky. 

The much-loved former Margate striker collapsed and died when he was playing for Folkestone Invicta in a match against the Gate.  It was later discovered he had a heart defect. 

Paul, who was 28, left a widow, Carly and their young son, Thomas. 

The family launched a fund-raising drive to raise money for research into heart conditions. 

Paul's brothers, Peter and Patrick, are running the London Marathon for a charity called CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young. 

"When we were young I used to go running with Paul," said Peter, 27, who works as a postman. 

"He would always run on ahead wearing a football shirt with nine or 10 on the back.

"I used to be so exhausted that sometimes all I could focus on were the numbers disappearing off into the distance." 

The young Paul obviously knew where his future lay - nine and 10 are strikers' numbers. 

One year on and the Sykes family have amassed a thorough knowledge of heart conditions.  CRY advocates screening families for possible heart defects, especially children. 

Peter's wife, Clare, 27 said: "We were frightened of the answers, but we had to know what lay in store for the children." 

Fortunately the screening revealed the family were okay. 

Peter and Patrick aim to raise £1,200 each from the marathon.  The family want to thank everyone who is supporting them. 

Anyone who would like to help the Sykes's fund-raising effort can contact Peter on 07787 326617.