A CHARITY football match held to remember a much loved player who died in a fatal collision has raised more than £17,000.

Chayse West, 18, suffered a severe head injury after being hit by a vehicle which failed to stop on the B1027 in Elmstead Market.

He was rushed to hospital following the incident in the early hours of September 18 but tragically died two days later from his injuries.

The Chayse West Legacy, which was set up by his family following his death, hosted a fundraising event at Spring Lane in Colchester which was attended by more than 500 people. 

The charity is dedicated to supporting bereaved families, after realising the lack of financial support available.

The event was centred around 5-a-side football matches, with 140 players and 20 teams of family members, friends, and locals.

In total it raised £17,787. 

“It was really important to us for the event to be centred around football because Chayse absolutely loved the sport,” said Charity founder and Chayse's mother, Leah West.

There were live bands, local DJs, inflatables, food trucks and activities for children, as well as a raffle and charity merchandise stall.

The event’s raffle offered more than 100 prizes, all donated by local businesses, including luxury hampers, chocolate and alcohol.

The Chayse West Fest was sponsored by, building merchants, Jewson’s, who also donated large raffle prizes and entered in the event football teams.

Leah added: “We were overwhelmed by the response to the football, we had friends and family that were there to play.

“But we also had complete strangers that approached me to be a part of the day – it was so heart-warming.

“A lot of hard work went in to the day behind the scenes, I’m still sorting out raffle prizes now.

“It doesn’t just stop on the day, it’s a huge build up and a huge family and friends’ presence to help us at the event, and also with setting up.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without their support, and the support of the community.

“Another big thank you to CSH Environmental for providing the bins for the event."

For more information, visit thechaysewestlegacy.com