Fundraising drive in memory of Kevin King

Martin King was speaking after thousands of pounds were donated to the Gift of Hope fundraising drive for the British Heart Foundation just days after it was set up.

Among the hundreds reacting to and sharing links to the campaign yesterday were Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Talented Slaughtmanus GAA player Kevin King died after collapsing at an indoor soccer match in Campsie on November 3.

The popular 22-year-old had had to stop playing gaelic earlier this year due to a heart related condition.

Martin said that the campaign has helped provide a positive focus and was a very fitting tribute to Kevin.

“It has helped us to know there is a bit of good coming from all of this,” he said.

“A lot of this is Kevin’s doing. He would have done anything for anyone.

“This is a good tribute to him. He was all about helping others.”

Martin set the fundraising page up on Saturday evening.

“By Sunday evening there was £2,000. It has been crazy, a lot of people messaging and such,” he said.

On the Gift Of Hope page, Martin states that Kevin being taken so suddenly has been a “massive blow” for their parents, John and Margaret as well as himself.

“We are heartened by the love and support of family, friends and the GAA community, especially Kevin’s club Slaughtmanus,” he states, adding:

“Kevin lived life to the full and always made time for anyone.

“In the past few days we realise how big a gift he was to the wider community who came to say goodbye and send messages of support locally and from afar.

“In memory of Kevin, we would like to start the process of raising funds to help those who research heart conditions such as myocardial fibrosis.

“If we could help prevent another family from experiencing the sudden loss of a loved one, it would be a triumph in this time of sadness.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online by going to: www.giftofhope.bhf.org.uk/In-Memory/Kevin-King