A city pub has helped boost a fundraising campaign set up by a father whose teenage daughter died suddenly just days before Christmas.

Rob Underwood, who grew up in the Marlpit area of Norwich but now lives in Redditch, near Birmingham, returned to his home city yesterday to thank the Marlpit pub for supporting his fundraising drive.

The 42-year-old's daughter Charlotte Prentice, 16, died just five days before Christmas due to sudden arrythmic death syndrome (SADS) – an undiagnosed heart condition which can claim the lives of seemingly fit and healthy people with little or no warning.

Mr Underwood and his partner Maggie Prentice have since vowed to raise awareness of the condition and to raise enough funds to buy a defibrillator for the four high schools in the town where they now live.

The Marlpit in Hellesdon Road has raised more than �350 for the cause.

Father-of-six Mr Underwood, whose mum Chrissie still lives in the neighbourhood, said: 'SADS is a silent killer, no one knows they've got it until something tragic happens. These defibrillators can save lives and we are so pleased that people at The Marlpit have supported us.'

The money was raised through a Christmas prize draw, raffle, quiz and collection boxes.

Sue King, manager at The Marlpit, said: 'Rob is a local boy and I've known him and his mum for years. When he lost his daughter, he told us about his fundraising plans and asked if there was anything we could do. We were only too happy to help.'

Research shows if a defibrillator is used within two minutes of cardiac arrest, the person has got a 90 per cent chance of surviving.

To donate funds to Mr Underwood's campaign, go to www.justgiving.com/margaret-prentice

For information about SADS, go to www.sadsuk.org or call 01277 811215.

Are you trying to raise awareness of a potentially fatal condition? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326.