THE family of a popular Burnham-on-Sea man who tragically died aged 35 have raised more than £10,000 by hosting a ball in his memory.

James Griffiths died at Harefield Hospital in London on April 30 last year after he experienced complications as a result of a three part heart operation.

The 35-year-old suffered from Marfan's syndrome, a disorder of the body’s connective tissues, which can cause heart defects and lens dislocation for his most of his life and frequently received treatment at Bristol Eye Hospital.

As a lasting tribute to him, his mother, Louise, and sister, Victoria, organised and hosted 'The One for James Ball' at The Batch Country House in Lympsham on April 27.

300 people attended the sell-out ball and the family raised £10,400 which will be split between Bristol Eye Hospital and Harefield Hospital.

Louise Medd, James' mum, said the event was a huge success.

"I would just like to say thank you to everyone that helped, attended and donated.

"It was a wonderful to celebrate James’s life and raise money for the two hospitals.

"Also special thanks to The Rock Choir who sang throughout the event, ‘Buster’ who was compare and auctioneer and the band Six Machine who provided the music after dinner."

But James' mum is not stopping there.

On May 27 Louise and Victoria are running the Edinburgh Half Marathon along with two of James' friends, Helen Jenkins and Wayne Barrett who are running the Edinburgh Marathon.

A fundraising page set up by James' friend James Reddish has already raised more than £1,000.

The group have set a fundraising target of £1,500 and James said they have all been hard at work training for the race.

"For people that knew him, James was a constant inspiration as he constantly tackled health issues and challenges, always doing so with his unique sense of positivity, humour and wit," James said.

"It's something we all need to channel through our training."

All the money raised from the race will be shared between Bristol Eye Hospital, Harefield Hospital and The British Heart Foundation.

For more information or to donate visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/runforjamesg