A FAMILY has spoken of its shock after a man who "had no illnesses" died suddenly in his sleep.
Jamie Beekman was found dead at home in St Ann's, aged 36.
His family say the cause of death has been given as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
Now, they are planning a fund-raiser in his memory, on what would have been his 37th birthday.
Mr Beekman's sister, Zoe McCarten, said: "He just went in his sleep. He had no illnesses or anything, that's why it's such a massive shock. We were all devastated,"
Mr Beekman had been living with his parents, Maureen and Raymond, both 62, when he died on February 28.
The father-of-one is survived by 11-year-old son Kyle.
He had last worked for Nottingham City Council's cleansing team, tidying city streets and gardens. He had also worked as a postman in St Ann's and Bakersfield.
Mrs McCarten, 39, of Arnold, said: "Jamie was always the one who had a smile on his face and put one on other people's faces. He had 350 people at his funeral, that's how well he was thought of and respected."
Mr Beekman was born and raised in St Ann's and went to Morley Junior School and Frank Wheldon School.
About £670 was collected in Mr Beekman's memory at his funeral at St Ann's with Emmanuel Church and at a wake at Greyfriars Social Club, Gordon Road.
His family is planning a gathering at the club on Friday, May 17, to mark Mr Beekman's birthday and raise more money for charity.
Proceeds will be donated to the E38 children's cancer ward at the Queen's Medical Centre.
Mrs McCarten thanked everyone for their support. She said: "Mum and dad decided at his funeral that we would rather people give a donation than flowers.
"We were overwhelmed with the donations and mum said we want to now aim for £1,000, if not more.
"The way mum looks at it, something tragic has happened but some good is coming out of it.
The fundraiser starts at 7.30pm and will include a disco and auction. To make a donation, e-mail zoemccarten@sky.com.
