THE family of a popular Billingham man, who died from a sudden cardiac arrest after playing football, are holding a fundraising match and family fun day in his honour this weekend.

John Clayton’s family are now in their second year of fundraising for a campaign fronted by former footballer Fabrice Muamba.

Mr Clayton collapsed without warning shortly after playing in a charity football match, and tragically died aged just 43, in April 2010.

Members of his family, including his brother Peter and his wife Lisa, have since joined Arrhythmia Alliance’s Hearts and Goals campaign to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in John’s memory.

The family of the avid-Middlesbrough fan, who have already raised thousands for charity in his memory, are holding a fundraising event at Billingham Town Football Club for the second consecutive year on Saturday (May 3).

AEDs dramatically improve the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest, they do not require training and can be used by anyone to shock a person’s heart back into normal rhythm if they suffer a sudden cardiac arrest.

This year the funds raised will go towards more AEDs as part of national heart rhythm charity Arrhythmia Alliance’s Hearts and Goals campaign. The family has to date successfully placed three AEDs at locations across Billingham with funds raised from last year’s event.

Peter, Mr Clayton's younger brother, who is organising the event along with John’s wife, Annette, and their four children, Adam, Alex, Sam and Serena, said: “Last year’s event was such a success and we are keen to see it grow this year. There will be 15 stalls, selling crafts and sweets, so something for all the family.”

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/johnclayton2014