A HUGE donation of more than £1,800 is going to the East Lancashire SuperScan Appeal in memory of popular sportsman Geoff Duckworth.

The cash was raised by family and friends of Mr Duckworth, who died in July last year from a brain tumour at the age of 33.

Most of the money was the £1,200 proceeds of a charity night at Churchills, Accrington, in October, held on the birthday of Geoff's sister, Jean Tomlinson.

Churchills donated the room, the Mancunian Steel Band who had played at Geoff's wedding played for expenses only, and their expenses were sponsored by Walkers solicitors of Rawtenstall. Another £150 came from a cricket match earlier in the year between Geoff's friends from the Queens pub and the Duke of Wellington, in Accrington.

And a further £100 was the proceeds of a sponsored hair cut by friend Daron Martin.

The three cheques were handed over at The Whitakers Arms by Geoff's brother John.

Geoff played football and cricket for the Burnley Road pub, formerly the Cemetery Hotel.

Earlier in the day a charity soccer match had netted £364 for the appeal. Of the players taking part, youngsters Stuart Crabtree and Graeme Sneddon raised £80, Yvette Jackson £84, and Trevor Matthews £100.

Geoff's sister Jean said: "We would like to thank everyone who contributed in any small way to raising the money."

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