A CHARITY football match has raised more than £1,000 in memory of a popular teenager who died in a car crash.
Gary Pitchford, of Speedwell Road, Colchester, died aged 17 after the car he was a passenger in crashed into a tree in May 2009.
He was a keen footballer, playing in midfield for FC Old Heath, and his family decided to hold a memorial match ten years on from his death to support the Essex Air Ambulance.
The event at Rowhedge Football Club saw two teams - Gary’s closest friends and a squad put together by Gary’s brother, Wayne - battle it out.
The day raised £1,300 for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
Wayne’s wife Caroline said: “What a perfect day it was, couldn’t have asked for better weather for a great turn out from everyone.
"It was fantastic seeing all of Wayne’s and Gary’s friends come together for a special day.”
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