UPLYME footballers remembered one of their loyal supporters and helped raise £700 to help a local young cancer sufferer in the process.

Uplyme Football Club hosted a friendly match on Saturday in memory of Ron Matthews, who passed away in January aged 83.

The event also raised money for 18-year-old Sam Nunn, from Uplyme, who needs £70,000 to pay for groundbreaking treatment in Germany.

Before the game between Uplyme Legends and the Matthews family, a bench dedicated to the memory of Mr Matthews was unveiled at Venlake Meadow.

Mr Matthews served on the club’s committee and enjoyed watching his son Jeff and grandson Greg play.

Mr Matthews’ widow Mary was there for the unveiling, along with Jeff’s wife Joanne, nephew Terry Matthews and wife Christine, their sons Richard and Alan – who played in the game – and Alan’s son Jake.

Jeff Matthews thanked the football club for the tribute, and said they had given his father hours of pleasure.

Mrs Matthews added: “The football club was very special to him. When he died we had a collection in the church and it raised £350, which we gave to the club, so they gave me a lovely bunch of flowers to say thank you.”

The final score was 4-4. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so through the club.