Michael Proctor was known for his love of life and happy smile, despite having Down's Syndrome, heart problems and a host of other medical problems.

His condition seemed to stabilise in his teenage years and when he reached the milestone of 18, his family began to think he was invincible, but just four months after Michael turned 19, he passed away suddenly at home.

A charity walk is now being organised in his memory.

After Michael's sudden death, Jeremy Fox, a close friend and carer of Michael's, was inspired to raise money for causes close to the teenager's heart.

Jeremy, 29, of Felix Road, Gosport, said: 'Michael in his own way taught me some valuable lessons, just by being himself.

'I always enjoyed my hour with him every weekday morning and I thought he was an absolute inspiration. He was a complete one-off and I came to care for him deeply.

'I even saw him two days before he passed away, and he wore the biggest grin you'd ever seen.'

Jeremy set up the walking group Footprints. The group of five walkers will now trek along the North Downs from Farnham in Surrey, to Dover in Kent to raise money for the school Michael attended and loved – St Francis School in Fareham – and Southampton-based charity Wessex Heartbeat.

The walkers hope to raise at least £5,000 to buy the special school new playground equipment.

Jeremy added: 'The group really want to do their best for them, remember Michael and celebrate his life.'

Michael lived with his family in Cavanna Close, Bridgemary.

His sister, Dale Roe, 31, said: 'Michael had lots of medical problems related to his Down's Syndrome.

'He had Atrio Ventricular Septal Defect with the associated Pulmonary Hypertension – together called Eisenmenger's Syndrome. This caused his death.

'He made many friends with his cheeky grin and the permanent twinkle.

'We are grateful to Jeremy and the walkers for giving their time in doing this walk in Michael's name and donating the money to Michael's school and the heart charity. It will be good to see other children benefit in Michael's memory.