A TEAM of family and friends will cycle 120 miles in aid of charity in memory of a Portishead dad who died suddenly and unexpectedly last year.

Michael Hurst, a father-of-two, was just 31 when he died from sudden adult death syndrome (SAD) on March 3.

Since his death, his wife Nicola and the rest of his family have been working to raise awareness of the condition, also known as Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, and to raise money for the national charity SADS UK.

As part of their efforts, a team of 20 family and friends will cycle from Michael’s hometown of Coventry to Portishead over three days from March 1-3. They will also be joined by other fundraisers along different sections of the route.

Among the cyclists will be 10 friends from Coventry.

At the end of the challenge, named Cycle for Michael, a fun day for all those involved will be held in Michael’s memory at Clarence House in High Street.

Michael’s sister-in-law Ruth Garrett said: “We’ve had a lot to do with SADS UK – they have been really helpful.

“Our efforts are about raising awareness as much as money.

“So many people don’t realise this can happen. It is about looking out for warning signs.”

Michael’s family have already raised money for SADS UK through a coffee morning, bag-packing at Asda in Clevedon and a charity night.

Michael’s mother-in-law, Jean Garrett from Pill, has also raised more than �1,000 through a sponsored slim.

On Saturday from 10am-4pm, some of the cycling team hope to add to their funds by taking part in a sponsored spin on exercise bikes in the foyer of Parish Wharf Leisure Centre in Harbour Road. The centre has also helped with their training for the cycle ride by awarding them free passes to its gym.

* To make a donation to the cycle team visit www.justgiving.com/Ruth-Garrett