FRIENDS of a Long Lee football fan who died in February are taking to the pitch to raise charity cash.

Martin Thompson passed away on February 12 from an undiagnosed heart condition just after watching his beloved Manchester United.

In April his 16-year-old daughter Lauren and her friends did an arduous sponsored walk for the British Heart Foundation.

Now it is the turn of Martin’s friend Alan Hull to organise a fundraising event for the same charity.

Martin, known as “Tomo”, was born in Keighley and educated at Oakbank School. He worked locally as a painter and decorator.

Andy said: “As a fitting tribute to such a lovely guy I have organised a Martin Tomo Memorial Football Cup to be played in June 30. The event is open to all who knew Martin.

“Keighley Rugby Union Football Club have kindly donated their ground and facilities on Skipton Road for the event.

“They are opening a bar supplying plenty of ‘Jager Bombs’ to keep the spectators at bay while the eager players are on the pitch.

“Keighley RUFC have donated everything free of charge so all money raised will go directly to the British Heart Foundation.”

The Tomo Memorial Trophy will be given to the winning team.

Alan has been given use of the Astro pitch and changing rooms, and nearby will be a DJ playing music, live bands, a barbecue and a marquee. There will be car parking for over 200 cars, and cars can be left overnight if needed.

Picnics are welcome, but not alcohol, which must be purchased from behind the bar. For children there will be bouncy castles, face painting, and a large area to play.

Martin died suddenly on February 12 aged just 40. His family had no warning that he was unwell.

His daughter Laurenteamed up with four of her school friends to complete the demanding Yorkshire Three Peaks Walk on April 6.

Despite having an initial fundraising target of £500, within a week finishing the walk they managed to raise an impressive total of £4,577.

Scaling and descending Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough alongside Lauren were fellow students of Beckfoot Oakbank School, Oliver Reeve, Josh Thompson, and Scott Duncan, all aged 17 and 16-year-old Mia Douglas.