A CHANCE encounter at their children's playschool is prompting a Chandler's Ford man to raise money for research into a little-known heart condition.

Steve Gilbert learned about Maria Daniels's heartbreak when husband, Paul - pictured inset with daughter Hannah - died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

Her story of grief and inner strength is now spurring Mr Gilbert on as he prepares for a charity ride from Winchester to Exeter.

Mr Gilbert, 34, said: "It was through the boys I met Maria and learned Paul had died from SADS. Not much is known about it so we wanted to do something to raise awareness of this condition.

"I am also doing the ride on a personal level because it has left a little boy, the same age as my own son, without a father."

On May 25, Mr Gilbert, pictured right with his friend, Christopher Pond, will be leaving Winchester on their three-day trek to Exeter.

They hope to raise more than £500 which will be split between SADS UK, the Sudden Adult Death Trust; Winchester based, Naomi House children's hospice and the Chase children's hospice in Guildford.