Bradford heart patients will benefit from a cabaret evening staged in memory of a young man who died from a rare cardiac condition.

The Richard Poucher Fund, set up by the 23-year-old's parents Margery and Perry, has already generated £10,000, helping to fund a heart scanner at Leeds General Infirmary, through events staged annually to mark his birthday.

Proceeds from the latest - a cabaret evening headlined by Bradford singer Mark Kerins, pictured, winner of BBC1's Star for a Night talent show - will help the Bradford Heart Appeal buy an x-ray viewing station, bearing the fund's name, for the coronary care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Richard, who lived in Saltaire, underwent surgery as a baby after he was born with a rare defect in the main arteries of his heart.

He completely recovered following a second operation but just weeks after marrying his girlfriend Linsay in November 1998 he was diagnosed as suffering from a viral infection which left him with an enlarged heart and in need of a transplant.

Richard was taken to the Yorkshire Heart Centre at LGI where he was connected to a life support machine. He died there in April 1999.

Mrs Poucher, of Guiseley, said they had decided to hold a fundraising event each October - around the time of Richard's birthday - to help keep his memory alive.

She said: "Doing this helps keep me going. This equipment would be a very fitting memorial to Richard."

The charity cabaret evening will be held at Bingley's Ramada Jarvis Bankfield Hotel on Friday, October 25. Tickets - costing £15 including supper - can be booked by calling Mrs Poucher on (01943) 870736.