A FUNDRAISING tournament will be held in memory of a young rugby player who died aged just 15.

Braintree Rugby Club player Matthew New died in 2002 after being hit by a car near High Garrett.

At the time the club was fundraising to take a team to South Africa by washing cars at Freeport.

Press officer Zelma Holt said: “Three lads went to a friend’s house after doing their bit. Matthew sadly died when he was hit by a car when crossing the very busy road.

“He was airlifted to Colchester General Hospital by Essex Air Ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Every year the team hold a fundraising event in his memory and Matthew’s parents donate the proceeds to charities.

The team wants to raise £3,000 with a Sevens tournament, barbecue, hog roast, beer festival, live music and free events for children on Saturday, August 6 from 11am.

Matthew’s friend Ruan Holt, 29, who now lives in Wales, was with him when he died and has been organising the events for five years.

He said: “I still see what happened from time to time although I have had help with it now.

“After I finished university I started organising the events and Matthew’s parents donate the proceeds every year.

“I did it because I think it’s a way to keep his memory alive. We both played high level rugby together at Essex and we used to travel together on the coach. He used to come down from Haverhill.

“I chose Essex Air Ambulance this year due to them doing their best to keep Matthew alive.

“They were great and are important to saving lives.”

Rugby Sevens teams can enter for £70 a team.

E-mail ruanholt@hotmail.co.uk for information.