FRIENDS are rallying round to raise money in memory of a friend they will never forget.

Soccer mad Carl Sutton, 26, from Connah’s Quay, was killed in a car crash two months ago and now his friends are to stage a football match to raise money for local children with disabilities.

Carl’s parents Graham and Myra are still struggling to come to terms with Carl’s death, but Mrs Sutton said it would be a fitting tribute to a son who was “forever in their hearts”.

Speaking for the first time since the accident on Sealand Road, mum Myra said: “Carl would have liked that. He would have thought it was a really good idea. His death is still difficult to come to terms with and we really miss him.

“We love him so much and we can’t stop thinking about him.”

Carl, also known as “Sootie” played for Hawarden Rangers and the Flintshire county side as a junior before spending time at the Wrexham and Chester academies.

Lifelong friend Andrew Hughes is organising the match at Connah’s Quay Naval Club.

Andrew, 26, of Connah’s Quay said: “We went to school together – first Golftyn Primary and then Connah’s Quay High School.

“Sootie was a keen footballer so that’s why we decided to play a football game. Our old school football team will play another team which will be made up of lots of Carl’s friends.

“There will also be a barbecue and we will have some collection buckets going around too.

“At night we will go in to the club for some entertainment and hopefully some live music.”

Money raised from the event will go to help local children with disabilities.

Andrew said: “We will be putting the money together with that raised from the funeral. Then we plan to buy some medical equipment for a local child who needs it.”

The game will be played on the Navy Club pitch on Saturday, May 29, at 3pm.

Tickets at £5 are available at the club.

Anybody wanting details should call Andrew on 07907 014 677.