A Sunday League football team has raised more than £3,000 in memory of West Bridgford youngster Dylan Rich, who died away after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest whilst playing football last year. 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.
Local side West Bridgford Knights have now decided to take on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge - climbing Snowdon, Cader Idris, and Pen y Fan in just 24 hours - to raise money and pay tribute to fellow footballer Dylan.
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.”
To donate or to find out more about West Bridgford Knights’ challenge, click here.
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