THE family of a young Co Derry footballer who died from an undiagnosed heart condition four months ago have helped raise thousands of pounds for charity in his memory.
Kevin King (22), from Eglinton, collapsed suddenly during a game of indoor soccer with friends at Campsie outside Derry on November 3.
The star forward with St Mary’s GAC, Slaughtmanus and Tamnaherin Celtic FC died from an inherited heart condition.
His brother Martin set up an online page in honour of Kevin to raise money for the British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland, which carries out life-saving research.
To date more than £13,500 has been raised from donations and various events.
"This page has really been the focus for people and it has been a massive benefit for my mum and dad particularly," Martin said.
"They didn't realise how much good could come from it and whenever you're feeling down - and you do have a lot of down days - you look at that, you see the messages and what people are doing to support and that really gives you hope.
"I think Kevin would have been more inclined to support something like this - doing something, as opposed to sitting still and feeling down. We can definitely gain a lot as a family by doing good in his name, it keeps him alive
in our memory and in our hearts.
"If we can do good and raise awareness that's what's keeping us going. It gives us hope because it doesn't get much worse."
On what would be Kevin's 23rd birthday, May 6, his family and the local community have organised a major fundraising day for British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland.
They are holding a charity four ball golf tournament called the KK Golf Classic at Foyle Golf Club in Derry, followed by a King of Hearts Gala Ball and charity auction in the Everglades Hotel, to be attended by sports stars Stephen Ferris and Tomás Ó Sé.
Jayne Murray, head of British Heart Foundation NI, said it has been "truly touched and humbled" by the bravery and generosity of spirit the King family has shown.
"They have raised a huge amount of money for us in a short space of time and their planning and dedication to the golf day and gala ball are testament to the love they have for their son and brother," she said.
"Every month in Northern Ireland a young person dies from a heart condition they didn't know they had. This shouldn't happen to young and vibrant men like Kevin who were fit and healthy. We need to fund more heart research to prevent this happening."
For tickets to the ball email kevinkinggiftofhope@gmail.com and for spaces at the golf day contact Steven on 078 6095 3521 or email stevenmcshane77@hotmail.co.uk.
