SURROUNDED by a crowd of friends, family and celebrities, the father of cot-death victim Connor Ryan gazed across the reception for a charity fund-raising event overwhelmed by the support.

Around 150 guests including several top celebrities joined Dave Ryan and his family in the special bar of Hyndburn Sports Centre in Accrington to celebrate the success of the evening's snooker extravaganza in aid of national charity C.O.N.I.

"It's been brilliant," said Dave of Oswaldtwistle. "We've smashed our target and I don't know how to thank everyone.

"From the big stars like Alan Shearer and Jimmy White to the centre staff and sponsors, the whole event has had unbelievable support."

Around 500 people packed the centre's sports hall to witness a snooker showcase featuring footballers Liam Robinson, Marlon Beresford, Mike Newell and Alan Shearer along with Tony Knowles and Jimmy White.

Shearer swapped his ball skills to tackle the master of another green, Jimmy White, but couldn't quite match the Whirlwind losing 85-66.

The event raised around £7,000 for Care of Next Infant charity which helps parents of cot death babies, a syndrome which sadly claimed the life of Dave's first child Connor.

"I know how these parents feel and I would not wish anyone to go through what we've had to. We want to promote C.O.N.I because it's a great charity and needs all the help it can get."

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