A MOTHER has raised hundreds of pounds in memory of her son, who suddenly passed away last year at the age of 39.

As reported by the Echo, Chris Shotter was discovered unconscious in a passageway by a member of the public in April 2014.

Paramedics rushed his aid after he was found collapsed in Church Passage between Maiden Street and St Mary Street, before he was taken to Dorset County Hospital.

Chris' mother, Catharine Learoyd from Weymouth and her close friend Linnie Prosser, organised a memorial night at The Admiral Hardy pub and raised £650 to donate to Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation.

The family and friends of Chris gathered at the pub last month to raise money in his memory and reminisce about his life.

Raffles were held throughout the night alongside a performance from Chris' father, Alan Shotter, who played tribute to his son with his band.

Ms Learoyd said: "The landlord was absolutely fantastic and I want to say a big thank you to Steve and all his staff.

"It was unbelievable to see the amount of people who came to the evening and that we managed to raise that much in one night.

"He was a very popular bloke.

"The charities we are supporting are very close to my heart.

"Chris suffered from a heart problem and I've had family members who have passed away due to cancer.

"It was such a wonderful evening. And it was nice for me to see it and see people show their support.

"I couldn't have done it without Linnie."

Peter Rendall from the BHF said: "We want to give a big thank you to all the people who helped to raise the money for research for us.

"Heart problems are still the biggest killer in the country and people who raise money for us will help to save lives."

David Tattersall from Cancer Research said: "We are really pleased to be chosen to receive the money. They held a really good evening here and raised a great amount of money for us."