FRIENDS and family of a tragic teenager who died last year gathered for a memorial football match and fun day.

Hedingham School pupil Arran Tosh died last June from a brain tumour just five days after he was diagnosed.

The 14-year-old had already raised £600 for Cancer Research UK when he died, and now more than £50,000 has been donated in his memory.

Teams from Halstead and Hedingham Under 14s were led out on to the pitch at Lawn Meadow, Sible Hedingham, by a lone bagpipe player.

Friends and family, including dad Steve and sisters Abbie and Chloe, then released balloons in the green and white colours of Arran's favourite football team, Celtic FC.

Mum Alison Tosh said: “Me, Steve, Chloe and Abbie just can’t thank everybody enough for all their generosity and support.

“I call them my fundraising angels, that’s the name that I give to them now. Arran has definitely left behind a bit of a legacy.”

The day raised about £3,000 and there were stalls, a burger van, inflatables and live music to enjoy.

Hedingham School pupil Rosie Hodson, 14, also cut off her ponytail for charity that makes wigs for children with cancer.

Mrs Tosh said the charity set up in her son’s name, the Smile of Arran, had now teamed up with cancer charity Clic Sargent to hand out grants to families of children suffering with brain tumours.

She said:“Personally, I don’t want to vet families who we think qualify for grants because it’s too upsetting, and I would just give everyone money.

“Clic Sargent work alongside hospitals and social workers so they are in an ideal position to help families.”

Mrs Tosh will be hosting a fundraising stall on Saturday at the Fight for Life gym in Sudbury from 11am.