Gregg Shoults was looking forward to turning 30.

To celebrate he planned to hold a party in a field for family and friends, an idea he pinched from his sister Fiona after she held a similar event to mark her 40th last July.

However, life was turned upside when the 29-year-old was found dead at the family home in Old House Lane, Hartlip, on October 22.

He left behind his wife Melissa and their son William who was then aged two.

Their youngest, Oliver, was born eight days too late to meet his daddy.

Miss Shoults, of Allsworth Close, Newington, said: “Gregg said he was going for a lie down at about 6pm and that when he got up he and Melissa would go out.

“She went upstairs about 7.30pm to put William to bed and looked in to see if he was alright, it was then she noticed him on the floor by the side of the bed.

“The paramedics spent about an hour-and-three-quarters working on him but he’d gone.

“The inquest into his death isn’t until July 10 but it seems he passed away from a previously undetected heart condition.”

Despite their loss, his family decided to continue with the party in memory of the former Westlands’ pupil while at the same time raising funds for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Greggstival will be held in Lower Hartlip Road (ME9 7SU) from noon to 6pm on Saturday, June 29 - eight days before the lorry driver’s actual birthday. Entry is free.

Attractions include a fun fair, face painting, live music, pony rides, dog show, hog roast, licensed bar and ice cream van. There will also be a silent auction and raffle.

Miss Shoults added: “Every week in the UK at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people aged 14 to 35 die from undiagnosed heart conditions.

“Many could have been saved with awareness and screening.

“CRY researches into the causes and tries to raise awareness. While they are a national charity, we are trying to raise funds to be held in Gregg’s name, so his boys can be told how many lives their daddy’s death has saved.”