THE sister of a popular Burnham-on-Sea man who tragically died aged 35 has raised more than £200 in his memory by hosting virtual fitness classes.

James Griffiths died on April 30, 2017, at Harefield Hospital in London after he experienced complications as a result of a three-part heart operation.

To pay tribute to him and mark the third anniversary since his passing his sister, Victoria Taylor, hosted all of her fitness classes via video link to raise £220 for The Aortic Centre Trust, a charity that was founded by James’s heart surgeon.

Victoria said her mum, Louise Medd, continues to be an ambassador for the charity and she is pleased the fundraiser was a success.

"We did the fundraiser on the anniversary of my brother's death, it has been three years," Victoria said.

"I have for the past two years called this Aortic Day and I teach all my fitness classes at Burnham Bootcamp and donate all money raised to The Aortic Centre trust which was set up by his heart surgeon.

"This year I decided to continue to fundraise and I taught all my classes online via video link.

"The classes were £3 a session and we received some very generous donations. I taught classes ranging from Piloga and pump to spinning.

"I raised £222 and donated the money to The Aortic Centre Trust straight away.

"James has left a very big hole in the family’s lives but also in all of his very closet friends and everyone that knew him. Facebook was full of pictures of him, by people showing they’re love and memories."

Victoria said she has no plans to stop fundraising as the charity does fantastic work and is a cause which is close to her heart.

"I will continue to fundraise every year on April 30 now named Aortic Day to raise funds for The Aortic Centre Trust. This charity is raising money to go into extensive aortic research to help with aortic disease, and saving lives."