OVER £1,700 was raised in memory of a Clitheroe character' who died suddenly from a heart abnormality.

Friends and family of Philip McQuade from Millthorne Avenue, put on a family fun day in memory of a man who was known for his rare wit and sense of humour, but died aged just 35 from Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Philip was born with a severe heart abnormality that was partly corrected through surgery when he was five and 12 years old.

Although he was unable to take part in more robust sports, he excelled at pool and snooker and was a fixture in the local leagues where he became known for his humour.

His mother, Dorothy McQuade said: "He coped really well and never dwelt on his condition. He was always cheerful and the life and soul of the party.

"The young men at his funeral decided that they wanted to do something in memory of him, but with one thing and another it never got arranged until this year.

"They decided to do a cricket fun day for all Phil's friends and family to join in with, because Philip was strongly attached to his family."

He died almost three years ago in September 2004 and the "Phil McQuade Memorial Cricket Challenge" was arranged in aid of the Children's Heart Association, a Rossendale-based charity Philip's parents helped to found when he was a youngster.

The knockout cricket tournament was held on Sunday, August 19 at the Low Moor Club and Roefield Cricket Ground. Eight teams from pubs in Clitheroe where Philip played pool competed challenge shield and prizes donated by local businesses. It was a light-hearted occasion where one member of each team had to wear fancy dress.

Other highlights inclused a barbecue, raffle, tombola, a bouncy castle, face painting for the children, a "Deal or No Deal" game and karaoke. Local band "Kick-Start" also volunteered to play to the crowd twice.

Mrs McQuade added: "The young men who took part were delighted and clamoured for more. We've decided that due to the absolutely fantastic response, we're going to make this an annual event.

"Everyone was exhausted at the end, but everyone kept telling me what a great lad he was, and that was good for me to hear.

"I would like to publically thank everyone who helped, especially the local businesses who provided gazebos and prizes."