Parents in fundraising promise after son's tragic death

The parents of a tragic Shropshire schoolboy who died after collapsing during a PE lesson today vowed to raise cash to help fight the rare heart condition which claimed his life.

Lewis Smith, from Howle, near Newport, died at Princess Royal Hospital in Telford just hours after collapsing during light football training at Burton Borough School in Newport on November 16 last year..

Coroner Mr John Ellery yesterday ruled Lewis died from natural causes due to an undetected heart problem, myocardial ischaemia.

Now parents Benjamin and Joanne Smith, both 43, and their other son, Sebastian, 13, want to raise awareness of the condition by collecting money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry) and organising fundraising events this year.

Mrs Smith said: "A family friend has helped run the EdgeAhead run in Edgmond, near Newport, in previous years, but there's no sign of it taking place this year apart from some rumours Harper Adams students might take on the organising.

"So we're just looking for students or others to come forward now to help organise it in memory of Lewis.

"Not all the money would have to go to Cry, we'd also like to help Midlands Air Ambulance, the school and other charities. But first we need to hear from people willing to help."

Mrs Smith, a keen runner, promised to pull on her sh- oes if the event goes ahead in honour of her "brilliant" son.

She said: "Lewis did have many challenges with his dyslexia and hyperactivity, but it never fazed him and he didn't feel sorry for himself. He was so cheerful and he's always a big smile on his face. He would just shrug off all his problems. Doing these events will give us something to focus on."

The Smiths are also hoping to arrange a charity evening this summer in Sambrook at The Three Horseshoes pub, which is run by their friends Kevin and Lynda Grimston.

Mrs Smith, a pre-school leader in Tibberton, added: "I've had chats with Kev, who is a keen fundraiser for other charities, and he's already got plans to host live music and a barbecue in memory of Lewis."

If you can help organise EdgeAhead, call Mrs Smith on (01952) 550611.

By Danny Carden