A GRIEVING family are to stage an athletics tournament in memory of their talented son.

Welsh champion high jumper Danny Evans, 18, died when the car he was travelling in overturned on Sealand Road in February.

He and three friends had been on their way to a night out in Chester when the car spun out of control and crashed into a wall.

Danny’s parents, Mark and Debbie Evans, of Normanby Drive in Connah’s Quay, said they were still struggling to come to terms with the loss of their son and have organised the Danny Evans Memorial Games in his honour.

The competition, which will be held at the Deeside College athletics track on Sunday, June 6, is expected to attract young athletes from across Wales, many of whom were good friends with Danny.
T
he couple have also launched a bid to raise £4,000 to buy a new high jump landing mat for Deeside Athletics Club, of which Danny was a member.

Debbie said: “We asked for donations to the club at Dan’s funeral and we raised £2,074, which was amazing.

“We decided to put the money towards the new jump mat, but Danny didn’t like to do things by halves, so we want to raise the full amount.

“We’ve arranged a few charity events and we’re going to throw ourselves into that to keep busy – it’s what he would have wanted.

“It’s still a huge struggle for us, but Danny was well-loved by so many people. I always have his friends around me and that is a big help.”

Mark has recently returned to work and Debbie said Danny’s siblings, Lee and Sophie, were being supported by friends.

The first fundraising event, a charity football match, will be held at Halkyn United’s football ground on Saturday, May 8.

Debbie added: “We’re planning to charge £2 for spectators and I also want to buy a few raffle prizes to raise as much money as possible.

“We’re hoping lots of people will come to show their support and do something in Dan’s memory. We’ve planned to have a big push at it in August too, but we haven’t finalised plans for any events yet.

“We’re also all hoping that the memorial games can be turned into an annual event if they are a success.”

For more information on the fundraising events or to make a donation, call the Leader on 01352 707751.