Players come together in memory of Chris

Chris Curwen died from lymphoma in September 2010 at the age of the just 23.

Chris, from Preesall, was a former sports student at the University of Central Lancashire and played for the university’s football club and Wyre Villa.

His uni teammates set up the Chris Curwen Memorial Cup two years ago where an ‘Old Boys XI’ took on the current UCLan side to raise money for charity.

But this year they raised the bar and organised a competition involving three ‘Old Boys’ sides - including one from Wyre Villa - and three current UCLan sides, held at Myerscough College’s Bilsborrow campus on Saturday.

The event raised more than £1,000 - almost 10 times the figure of two years ago - and his friends are now looking to expand it even further next year.

A minute’s silence was held before the tournament kicked off and a signed Liverpool jersey was presented to Chris’ mum Karen afterwards.

Yusuf Kaffo, who organised the match, said: “Chris was highly personable and always willing to help others.

“The day was about coming together and remembering someone who was really close to all of us and has a positive impact and touched us in some way.

“The day was highly successful and I can’t wait to start organising next year’s event. We are hopefully looking to hold next year’s event at Bolton Wanderers football stadium if all goes well and will hopefully raise more than we did this year.

“I didn’t think we would raise up to £1,000 on the day, it has been a huge success and we are really proud of what we have achieved.”

The three Old Boys sides played against the current UCLan sides with the Old Boys teams - containing former Squires Gate players Zach Clark and Seydou Bamba - coming out victorious on the day.

Yusuf added: “I would like to say thank you to everyone who participated and those who came to show their support and make some contribution.

“I would also like to thank the UCLan Student Union and Myerscough College for their hospitality and facilities, but most of all a big thank you to Karen who allows us to remember and honour Chris year on year.”

The money raised will go towards the Young Oncology Unit at The Christie in Manchester where Chris was treated.