Around 4,000 people attended a festival in memory of a young dad who died suddenly.

Gregg Shoults 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.

The 29-year-old had planned to celebrate his 30th birthday by holding a party in a field for family and friends.

This was an idea he pinched from his sister Fiona after she held a similar event to mark her 40th last July.

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

It took place in Lower Hartlip Road on June 29 – eight days before the lorry driver’s actual birthday.

Greggstival fundraiser

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

Fiona, of Allsworth Close, Newington, said: “It was amazing. It was just a constant stream of people coming through the field.

“I think Gregg would have been pleased with it. So far we’ve raised £3,700 but there’s still more to be counted.

“We’re hope to have made £5,000 in total which will go towards CRY’s general screening programme.

“Every £3,500 we raise in the future will be ring-fenced to screen 100 children aged 14 upwards.

“We want to arrange the first screening for The Westlands as that’s the school Gregg went to. We plan to make Greggstival a annual event so put July 5, 2014 in your diary.”

The inquest into Mr Shoult’s death will be held at the Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone, at 10.30am today (Wednesday).

Cause of death is given as cardiomyopathy - heart muscle disease. 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.”