A football tournament will be held at the weekend in memory of a man who lost his life while playing the sport he loved.
Joe Langdon, 36, a fit and healthy father-of-two from Stevenage, died a year ago this November while playing five-a-side football.
It was later discovered that he had an undiagnosed heart condition and on Sunday his wife Tamsin and friend Johanne Gates are holding a five-a-side football competition at Odyssey Sports Club in Stevenage from 2 to 5pm to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
CRY raises awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS, SADS), provides medical information and offers support to those who have suffered loss, through a network of affected families, and counselling.
Experts believe that at least eight apparently fit and healthy young people under the age of 35 die each week in the UK from undetected cardiac abnormalities.
Tamsin said: "Joe was go-getting and showed no signs of being unwell.
"It wasn't until CRY contacted me through the coroner's office that I decided to get involved because I want to give something back to them for all the support I have received during the last year."
The tournament will be followed by a charity auction and disco at Bottles in the Old Town from 7.30pm to raise further awareness of the charity. Among the items that will be auctioned are gym memberships, football memorabilia, massages, wine and dinners for two.
Johanne of Jo Gates hair salon in Middle Row said she had received 'amazing' support from her clients who have donated a variety of items for the auction.
She said: "I would like to thank everyone for their support, we couldn't have done it without them. We hope to raise at least £5,000 through both events on the day."
