THE funeral of young dad Kieran Patching, who collapsed and died during the Great North Run, takes place on Friday.

It has been revealed that Kieran, from Walderslade, who was married to Julie and had two children, died of heart disease.

He was one of four men to die during the September 18 run.

Anyone who knew him is welcome to attend Medway Crematorium at Blue Bell Hill at 11.40am followed by a service at Aylesford Parish Church – where Kieran and Julie were married – at 12.15pm.

Afterwards, the family will be holding a gathering to celebrate Kieran’s life at Beeching Hall in Walderslade.

People can give floral tributes but donations are also welcome to Cancer Research – the charity 34-year-old Kieran was running for at the time he died – or to the British Heart Foundation.