THE family of a man who collapsed while running a half-marathon and died aged just 31 have completed a charity ‘Zumbathon’ in celebration of his memory.

Alan Lumley, from Darlington, was a solicitor in Manchester for the law firm DLA Piper and had a passion for sport, including running, rugby and football.

In April last year he died suddenly after competing in a half-marathon in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Since then the family, along with Alan’s partner Nicky Harris, have raised almost £25,000 for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity in order to help fund screening and research, as well as its work supporting bereaved and affected families.

Mr Lumley’s mam Jennifer Lumley and sister Julia Fairnington organised a Zumbathon at Hummersknott School, in Darlington, a mixture of high energy, fun dance routines.

Zumba instructor Elaine Bean, who teaches at Holy Family Church, in Cockerton and at Bannatyne's gym in Darlington, gave up her time for free in order to co-ordinate the session.

Mrs Fairnington said: “It all went really well, everyone really enjoyed it.

“We have raised about £500 which will all go to CRY.

“People paid £10 on the day to take part and some people got sponsored to do the Zumbathon as well.

“It was pretty much non-stop apart from quick water breaks. We did about two and-a-half of Zumba and my cousin, who has just qualified as a yoga instructor, did half-an-hour of yoga at the end.”

Ms Harris also undertook a Zumbathon at the same time, while in September a charity rugby sevens tournament will take place at Barnard Castle School for a cup named after Mr Lumley. He was a former pupil.

Mr Lumley’s death is thought to be attributed to sudden adult death syndrome, although a full inquest is yet to be held to determine its findings.

Mrs Fairnington added: “The fund raising has given us something positive to focus on during what has been a difficult time.

“A lot of the people CRY help have undiagnosed heart conditions and even though that was not the cause in Alan’s case if we can help other families not to go through what we have had to go through that is the aim really.”