THE family of a young Wellington footballer who passed away before Christmas have launched a fundraising campaign in his memory.

Lloyd Manning played as a defender for Wellington Reserves and his family and friends will join together at the Playing Field next Wednesday, (March 22), when the team play Chard Town Reserves, kick off 7.30pm.

They will be raising money for the charity CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably, whose patron is the West Ham and England player Declan Rice.

Wellington Reserves’ manager Nick Buttle said: “Lloyd was a hugely popular member of the team and the club as a whole.

“We were all devastated to hear of his passing – and he’s greatly missed by everyone.

”We are hoping there will be a big attendance next Wednesday to boost the coffers of this wonderful charity.”

Alongside the game itself, there will be a raffle with Lloyd’s family having amassed some prizes donated by local businesses.

They include vouchers from Bloomin’ Lovely florists, Spotless, The Cleve, Hair by Robyn, The Beambridge Inn and the Harvester restaurant.

There will also be bucket collections during the match, which is being sponsored by the Manning family with the match ball sponsored by RI Leyman Plumbing and Heating.

If anyone is unable to get along to the Playing Field but would still like to donate to CALM, they can do so via lloydmanning.muchloved.com/