A FOOTBALLER who died suddenly as he warmed up for a match was remembered by friends and family at a charity tournament.

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

Wellwishers took to the football pitch at Connah’s Quay High School in his memory and raised more than £2,000 for The British Heart Foundation.

As well as friends and family, staff from Challenger Mobile Communications in Deeside, where David worked, were among the 16 teams taking part.

David’s sister, Nicola Gellett ,told the Leader: “It was a brilliant day. The football was a good laugh and we had a great turnout.

“Everybody really enjoyed themselves. So far we have raised £2,000 but we still have money coming in.

“We’re hoping to beat our target of £3,000 that we made at the tournament last year.”

Glory FC, a team of David’s closest friends, scooped the ‘Fatcat’ trophy, which takes its name from David’s footballing nickname.

After the match, tired players took to the Navy Club in Connah’s Quay for an evening of game show entertainment, a charity auction and a disco.

Nicola said: “For the auction, we had a signed England and Manchester United shirt, a signed Everton picture and tickets for horseracing and cricket.

“I’d like to say a big thanks to Andrew Norton and Eric Speed who helped to set up the football and to Mark Sullivan who donated lots of prizes to the auction.”

David’s family will present a cheque to the charity at Wepre Park where David used to play football for his team.

The British Heart Foundation has also offered to set up a page on their website in David’s memory where people can donate to the cause all year round.