THE family of a former Southampton schoolboy who died after taking ecstasy is stepping up a campaign in his memory.

Grieving Andrea and David Hoskins have pledged to raise cash for drug awareness charity Hope UK following the death of their 20-year-old son John.

The couple, formerly of Bursledon Road, Sholing, but now living in Kent, are kicking off their fundraising marathon with a darts contest expected to net around £1,200.

All proceeds will help educate youngsters aged between five and 17 about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and smoking.

Today Mr Hoskins, 60, a former regional man-ager for Tankfreight in Southampton, said: "We are anxious that something positive comes out of this tragedy.

"We had considered setting up a trust fund in John's memory but this charity is totally and utterly what we had in mind."

The couple hope to raise thousands in a long-term project in memory of John, a tarmac layer who grew up in Southampton.

Several clubs and individuals in the city have already expressed an interest.

And 150 people have signed up to play in the John Hoskins annual memorial darts competition, taking place at a Gillingham pub on September 12.

Former Thornhill Infants School pupil John, described as a gentle giant, was found dead in his bed on May 28 after nightclubbing until the early hours.

A toxicology report showed he had taken a lethal cocktail of ecstasy, amphetamines and alcohol.

John's stunned parents, who had no idea their eldest son took drugs, now spend their Saturday nights camped outside Kent nightclubs warning other youngsters of the dangers.

A sandwich board featuring a photo of their 13-month-old granddaughter Cara-Leigh says simply: "This little girl has no father because of ecstasy."

Anyone interested in helping the campaign should call 01634 301493.

Jamie Bull, 21, from Chatham, is due to appear before Kent magistrates on September 8 charged with supplying a class A drug.

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