THE sister of a Whitegate footballer who died after collapsing from a heart attack during a match is fundraising to prevent others from meeting the same fate.

Mike Clarke, 29, died on September 11, 2015, six days after collapsing during a match playing for Whitegate FC.

Now Mike’s sister, Katie Bridges, is raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), which supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions.

“Unfortunately we don't realise how important these charities are until something so tragic happens to you,” Katie said.

“I for one would like to make a change and help support the young, local people to help prevent them having to go through the pain and suffering that my family has.

“Saying goodbye to my big brother at such a young age was something I never imagined I would have to do.

“I just can't explain how heartbreaking it really is.”

Mike was playing against Crewe Corinthians in Whitegate on September 5, 2015, when he asked to be taken off after feeling unwell.

Katie, 27, from Northwich, said: “Anyone that knew Mike would know that this would never happen unless something serious was wrong.

“Mike took a turn for the worst and a first response ambulance arrived to check him over and he had managed to confirm at the side of the pitch that Mike had suffered a heart attack.

“Mike had surgery and was making a good recovery, but then a few days later Mike took a turn for the worst and passed away on September 11, 2015.”

Following his death, a tribute was posted on the Whitegate FC Facebook page.

“Mike was an integral part of the Whitegate team and well as being a very good player he was also an excellent human being,” the post said.

“We never forget Mike and whilst things will never be quite the same without him, I know he will always be with us every time we play.”

Mike had a hereditary heart condition that could have been treated if he had been screened earlier.

Katie is now aiming to raise £8,500 in order to host a screening day for 14-35 year-olds so they can get their hearts checked.

She is planning several fundraising events throughout 2016.

The first is a family fun-day, which will take place at The Plough field in Whitegate on Saturday, May 21.

On the same day, twelve teams will battle it out it to win the Mike Clarke Memorial Trophy at a 7-a-side football tournament.

As well as raising vital funds, Katie hopes to raise awareness of cardiac conditions among young people – and potentially save lives.

Katie said: “If we were lucky enough to get Mike screened only just a few months before, he would still be with us today. His condition was treatable.

“But as un-diagnosed heart conditions have no prior warnings or symptoms, we were unaware of Mike's condition.”

To donate to Katie’s fundraising campaign visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/katiebridges1