'Our brother's death inspired us to help others'

The family of a man who died suddenly in West Sussex have said they want to help others by raising money for charity.

John Lawrence and his sister Michelle Wade are organising a football match to raise money for Victim Support, after their brother Paul Lawrence was found dead in Littlehampton in January 2024.

"We thought we would give something back because we have been helped so much," he told the BBC. "It just feels like the right thing to do."

Sussex Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Paul's death.

Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mr Lawrence said organising the fundraiser - which will see Paul's family and friends play at Wick Football Club in May - had helped the family through their grief.

"It won't bring Paul back, but we're trying to do something positive," he said.

"We've had so much support from the local community in Littlehampton."

Mr Lawrence said losing Paul - who has three daughters and two grandchildren - was a "massive shock".

"Paul was there one minute, then he was gone," said Mr Lawrence, who had gone out with his brother the weekend before he died.

Mr Lawrence described Paul as "such a character".

He said at the funeral they were surprised by how many people shared good memories of Paul or said how he had helped them out without telling anyone, on one occasion paying bills that someone was struggling with.

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