A CHARITY football marathon will be held next month in memory of a much-loved father-of-two who died suddenly while out cycling.

Rus Swan, from Darlington, suffered a fatal heart attack in June.

The 49-year-old offshore worker, who had previously been fit and healthy, died just a few weeks after his youngest son's wedding.

Mr Swan's football-mad family – including wife Ann and sons Daniel and Adam – are organising a five-hour football marathon at Hummersknott Academy, with the aim of raising more than £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

The event, which starts at 10am on Sunday, October 25, will include a raffle and will be followed by a buffet at the Model T pub.

Men, women, boys and girls of all abilities are expected to sign up to take part in the friendly match – with between 80 and 90 players expected to take part.

Mrs Swan described the heartbreaking moment she received the news of her husband's death.

She said: "Myself and Adam are both teaching assistants at Mount Pleasant Primary School.

"It was a Wednesday afternoon and the secretary came and got Adam first and then came and got me.

"A police officer was waiting in the office, who told us that my husband had suffered a massive heart attack and died.

"It was such a shock and you never think in a million years that it's going to happen to your family."

Mrs Swan added: "We all like football and used to run teams when we were younger, so that's why we've decided to do the five-hour marathon.

"The aim is to raise awareness for people – we did not realise how many people are affected by heart problems."

Mr Swan, who was originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester, moved his family to Branksome, in Darlington, after leaving the RAF, where he served as an electrical engineer at RAF Leeming among other places.

As well as being a Stockport County supporter, Mr Swan was also a keen golfer and the family have dedicated a bench to him at Blackwell Golf Club, in Darlington.

Many of Mr Swan's colleagues from the North Sea oil rig where he worked were bussed down from Scotland for his funeral, while a simultaneous service was held aboard the rig.

Participation in the football marathon costs £4 per player and spectators will also be encouraged to make donations.

To support the family's fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/adam-swan