The friends and family of a 14-year-old boy who died suddenly two years ago are hosting a memorial ride for what would have been his 17th birthday.

Malakai Conway, who was known to most as Mally, died on Friday, July 3, 2020, after collapsing at his home in Minster on Sheppey.

Family friend Matt Ashenden has arranged a third memorial ride due to take place on Saturday, July 16 - the third in Mally’s honour.

The 33-year-old from Minster, said: “Mally was a friend of the family.

“He was a cheeky laddy, just a nice guy with a heart condition.

“The day he died he was sitting with my brother, Zack, who is now 22, playing on the computer, no pains, nothing.

“Then he stood up to make a Pot Noodle, as one does, and just collapsed.”

Mally’s sister, Michelle Conway, said her brother had been born with congenital heart disease and had undergone three open heart surgeries, the first when he was just three weeks old.

“He was fit and healthy other than his heart condition,” she said.

“You’d never have thought anything was wrong with him. He was a happy-go-lucky boy.”

Almost two weeks after Mally’s death it would have been his 15th birthday, so because of his love of motorbikes, a number of bikers gathered in his memory for the first time.

A GoFundMe page was also set up to help the family pay for Mally’s headstone.

Ever since, Matt and Mally’s families have arranged something similar every year.

Matt said: “In 2020 the remembrance ride was attended by all of Mally’s family.

“There was even a singing tribute for him and at the last memorial ride 400 bikes showed up.

“This year we’d just like people to show their support.

“I’m a motorcyclist myself and I ride in with them, it is nice to see people clapping and remembering him.”

In Mally’s memory Matt has also set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for NHS Charities Together.

He added: “The first time round people wanted to donate for Mally’s headstone and then the following year we didn’t have one.

“However, people have asked for somewhere to donate money to, that is why I started the fundraiser for the NHS, it is like a full circle.”

The gentle ride will start at Detling Diner at 1.30pm to Mally’s house in Prince Charles Avenue.

Photographers will be along the route and refreshments from Rossi ice cream van and Sue’s Catering burger van will also be available.

Matt finished: “Everyone is invited to come and show your support to the bikers.”

Ron Conway, Mally’s father, also wanted to thank all those involved.

The 65-year-old said: “We’re really greatful for everything the bikers are doing and for everyone donating to the GoFundMe page.

“Thank you to everyone involved.”

To donate click here.