Club raises £3,280 in Dylan’s memory
FOOTBALLER DIED AFTER SUSPECTED CARDIAC ARREST DURING CUP MATCH
We are blown away by the support of the local community. James Pegg
A SUNDAY League football team has raised more than £3,000 in memory of West Bridgford youngster Dylan Rich, who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest whilst playing football.
Dylan, who was 17 at the time of his death, was playing in a match for West Bridgford Colts during an FA Youth Cup game when the tragic incident occurred last September.
In May, another local club, West Bridgford Knights, took on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge – climbing Snowdon, Cader Idris, and Pen y Fan in just 24 hours – to raise money in Dylan’s memory.
Nine current and former players took to the hills of Wales, completing the gruelling 17-mile hike and 7,657ft ascent in just over 16 hours, with the help of two dedicated drivers.
The club’s current fundraising total stands at £3,280, with the funds to be donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity that aims to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through cardiac screening and research, as well as providing specialist support to affected families.
James Pegg, player and chairman, said: “We are blown away by the support of the local community.
“The club set out to raise £1,000 from this challenge. To have raised over three times that is incredible.
“The untimely passing of Dylan is simply devastating.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with their families and loved ones.
“We are truly proud to be able to hand over such a significant donation in Dylan’s name, and hope that it can help to save lives in the future.”
Luke Maxted, player-manager, said: “It’s very telling of how much this cause means to the community that we had no shortage of volunteers to support us in our challenge.
“I’d like to thank everyone who donated, took part, organised or contributed.
“I can say on behalf of every single one of the lads that the sore legs the morning after were well worth it. We are pleased to be able to support such a worthy cause.”
On September 12 last year, spectators at the the match between Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City at the City Ground took part in an applause in the 17th minute to pay tribute to Dylan, who was a Forest fan.
To donate or to find out more about West Bridgford Knights’ challenge, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ westbridgfordknights