A WEYMOUTH man who took on his first ever half marathon in memory of his relative who died suddenly last year has raised nearly £2,000.

Mike Cowan ran the Weymouth Half Marathon in memory of his nephew-in-law Daniel Manning, from Portland, who tragically died in April last year from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

Builder Mike, 57, said he had been doing a bit of running and was inspired to do something in Daniel's memory.

He said: "I thought why not do a half marathon and why not make some good come out of it."

Mike has set up a sponsorship page with all funds he raises going to the charity C-R-Y (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

He also had a special t-shirt made up and hit the streets of Weymouth with a photo of Daniel on his back.

Mike completed the 13-mile run in one hour and 46 minutes and said he thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

He said: "It was brilliant and it was very well organised."

Mike said he was going to 'have a little rest at the moment' before deciding on whether to take on any more challenges.

After Daniel's tragic and untimely death last year his parents paid tribute to a 'genuine and lovely' son.

The 36-year-old left behind his wife Becky and two-year-old son Jacob.

His parents told how he had woken up as usual one Monday morning and was just getting changed into his work overalls when he suddenly collapsed and died.

Daniel had not complained of any symptoms or of feeling unwell and doctors told the family he had died of SADS.

He and his brother, Tom, had set up their own company called Manning Plumbing and Heating, and they are both very well known on Portland.

So far Mike has raised just over £1,900 in memory of his nephew-in-law and he is keeping his sponsorship page open until the end of April so donations can still be made.

To donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelCowan