Published at 13:10, Tuesday, 01 September 2009

FRIENDS of a popular sportsman who died earlier this year came together at a cricket fund-raising match organised in his memory.

Sunday saw the match take place between Duddon Cricket Club players and Askam rugby league players.

The event was held at Askam Amateur Rugby League Club in Sandy Lane in memory of Mark Coward.

Mr Coward, who was an electrician at BAE Systems and a popular scrum-half for Askam, died in February, aged 21, after suffering heart and lung infections.

There was plenty of fun and games during the match and a disco was held at the club at night, featuring Mr Coward’ cousin, Steven Coward, the lead singer of Leeds-based band Bikini Black Special, who performed an acoustic set.

All proceeds are to be donated to the British Heart Foundation.

The event is the second to be organised in memory of Mr Coward.

Sisters Debbie and Kelly Sanderson raised £2,350 at an event they organised on what would have been Mr Coward’s 22nd birthday, and Melanie Vanstone helped organise Sunday’s event.

Published by http://www.askamlocal.co.uk