A POPULAR footballer who died suddenly as he warmed up for a match is to be remembered at a charity tournament.

David Gellett, 30, of Bollam Close, Connah’s Quay, a goalkeeper for Wepre Rangers Football Club, collapsed before a match against Holywell Town at their ground in Halkyn Road in July 2008.

Despite frantic efforts to resuscitate him, David was pronounced dead at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, less than an hour later.

Family and friends are to take part in the tournament in his memory.

Colleagues from Challenger Mobile Communications in Deeside, where David worked, will also be taking part.

David’s sister Nicola Derbyshire Gellett said: “Dave’s death is still raw for us. It is still difficult to deal with because it was very much a shock.

“We are doing what we can to keep his memory alive.”

Sixteen teams of six players will showcase their skills to win the ‘Fatcat’ trophy, which takes its name from David’s football nickname.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to the British Heart Foundation and Nicola is hoping to smash her £3,000 target.

She added: “We want to raise as much money as possible. We still need more players to take part and people of all experience are welcome.

“There will also be an evening event at the Navy Club where there will be a disco, auction and a game show.”

The tournament will be held on Saturday, June 26 from 10am on the Connah’s Quay High School football pitches and each player is asked to donate £5 to take part.

The evening event is at the Navy Club in Connah’s Quay from 7.30pm.

See Facebook group ‘The Dave Gellett Appreciation Society’ for more.