FAMILY and friends of a Clevedon man who died while taking part in last year’s Bristol Half Marathon will run the 2012 race to raise money in his memory.

Nick Read was aged just 33 when he collapsed 600m from the finishing line during the 13-mile event, which was his first half marathon. Medical staff and an off-duty doctor tried to resuscitate him but to no avail.

The Ruddymead resident was a keen surfer and had taken part in several 10km runs for charity in the past.

During an inquest into his death, which was held in April, it was revealed he had suffered a heart problem, which led to his collapse.

Now, his friends and family are keen to raise awareness of cardiac conditions in young people and a group of at least eight will take part in the race on September 30 to raise money for the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Twin brothers, James and Robin Hambly, who knew Nick for 17 years, were both at the 2011 race when Nick died and have helped to organise this year’s fundraiser.

James, aged 33, said: “Nick had some sort of underlying heart problem.

“So little people know about people of a young age having heart problems.

“The charity is trying to promote screening for people aged between 14-35 by holding special screening clinics.

“Especially if you are into your fitness, you should be getting yourself checked out at at least three screenings.”

The team hopes to raise at least �2,000 for CRY. Anyone wishing to sponsor them can do so by visiting the website uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/runfornick

The progress of their campaign can also be followed on Twitter using the name @runfornickread or on the Facebook page entitled Run for Nick Read.

To find out more about the work of CRY visit www.c-r-y.org.uk