FUNDRAISING events are being held to remember a popular Maryport man who died suddenly a year ago. 

Colleagues of Peter Little still carry his jacket and boots in their vehicle when they go to work each day and his widow, Karen, says the affection in which he was obviously held has been a huge comfort to her during the past 12 months.

Peter died on April 21 last year, exactly a week after his 60th birthday.

"He literally dropped dead. There were no warning signs," Karen said.

Peter was a construction worker at Sellafield, his death was ascribed to ischemic heart disease.

His colleagues at Carillion and DSD Construction, the companies for which he worked, took his death hard.

"They have left his boots and jacket in their vehicle, so every day he still goes to work with them.

"I find that both comforting and very moving," Karen said.

She said although they could not save him, Dearham and District First Responders were first on the scene when Peter collapsed.

"I want to give something back to them.

"I would like to think that someone else's life could be saved, even if his could not."

She said Peter gave to his community and it was appropriate that she could also give in his name.

As well as serving as chairman of the Maryport Navy Club, he supported Karen in her efforts to raise money for the ME society.

As a result, she is holding a fundraising event next Friday to try and raise money to buy one or maybe two defibrillators.

Sellafield colleagues were holding their own fundraiser in Whitehaven last night and the money will be combined.

Karen said she would like to put a defibrillator outside the Navy Club.

If there is enough money she would also buy one for outside the Ellenborough Rangers Rugby Club for whom Peter played in his youth.

Defibrillators cost between £600 and £800 to buy and install.

Karen's fundraiser will take place at the Grasslot Club next Friday, April 29, at 7.30pm.

Karen said she was overwhelmed at local entertainers who have given their services for free.

"We got to know a lot of them when we were organising entertainment at the Navy Club. They were so willing to help with this event.

"I have spent a lot of this year feeling sad but also so moved by the affection in which he was held."

She said she has created a memory garden for her husband at home and yesterday held an open house for friends and family to come and pay tribute to a beloved husband and friend.

Artists entertaining at the Grasslot club are Jenia, Just Steve, Spud, Jodie-Leigh, Stevie D, Just Jock and Darren.

There will also be a raffle which includes two tickets to a Steven Gerrard tour of the Anfield stadium in Liverpool. Peter was a Liverpool fan.