The family of a Gwent man who died of a suspected heart attack at just 28 years old are raising money to support other families going through the heartbreak they experienced.
Craig Cowland died on May 30, 2008, after suffering a swelling of the heart muscle known as right atrium myocardosis at his home in Risca.
Mr Cowland, a keen footballer brought up in Rogerstone, had recently become a father; his baby daughter, Leah, was 11 months old at the time of his death.
But almost two years on the young father's family have been fundraising for charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) – in the hope that they can help other families who have suffered a loss like theirs.
After Mr Cowland's sudden death, close family members were all sent for tests on their hearts. They came back all clear, but CRY helped to either fund these tests privately, or find the tests for them through the NHS.
Mr Cowland's mother, Helen Piacentini, said the family have already raised £1,200 through a fundraising evening at Rogerstone and Bassaleg Social Club on My 5, which would have been Mr Cowland's 30th birthday, and collection in Newport pubs and bars.
Mrs Piacentini, 47, said the last two years had been extremely difficult for the family.
"It's been a tough time," she said. "Craig's daughter will be three in June and she's having to cope without a dad. He had a fantastic personality, was a great father, brother and uncle. Nobody could find a bad word to say about him."
Mr Cowland's younger brother, Stephen, is hoping to complete a nine-mile run for CRY and Mrs Piacentini said the family would plan other events in the future.
She added: "We want to remember him, but we also want to raise money for other families that we can help. If we can do both then that's brilliant.
To donate, visit http://www.c-r-y.org.uk
