THE friends of a young Worcester man who died earlier this year are preparing a fitting fundraiser in his memory.

Scott Allden died in January, aged 20, following a battle against epilepsy.

Now his friends, family and staff at William Hill in St John's, where he was a regular customer, have organised a charity football match which will raise money for Epilepsy Action.

Kurt Warren, a manager at William Hill who has helped organise the match, said local businesses have really supported the fundraiser.

He said: "We knew Scott well because he would always come in the shop. It was more of a way of Scott socialising because he couldn't go to clubs due to his epilepsy. It really hit us, especially because of how young Scott was, and we all really wanted to do something nice in his memory and to raise money for a cause that can help other young people with epilepsy."

The group has already raised more than £200, and more is expected to be raised at the match on April 18, which will be held at the YMCA on Henwick Road, St John's, from 2pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be a raffle on the day as well as food and drink served.

Mr Warren said: "Everyone has been really supportive. Roger's Barber Shop, Ruby Cantonese, Papa Johns, The Tanning Studio and Nail Bar, Relish Diner, Narraways, Ogles and the Worcester Warriors have all given us prizes to raffle off."

Mr Allden's mother, Mae Bourbage, said football was her son's "biggest passion".

"Scott was an amazing young man who lived life to the full, even though his epilepsy was not under control. Scott was in his third year at the University of Worcester, where he studied sport coaching. He loved playing all kinds of sport, but football was his biggest passion. His favourite club was Liverpool but he also followed Birmingham City.

"He loved living in Worcester and he loved working at Hotter Shoes. Scott had made so many great friends in Worcester. His friends, Marco and Danny were amazing when Scott was not well.

"He was also a player coach to a disabled team who he loved helping, and his brothers, Gary and Tom, and his sister, Beth, were so proud of their little brother. He was also an amazing uncle to Harvey and Calleigh. Scott often spoke to young epilepsy sufferers and they have fond memories of him.

"As his mother, I'm so proud of how much Scott did in his life, even at times when he was so ill with his fits and had been in hospital — he didn't want to give up. He wanted to carry on and get his dream job in coaching a football club, but sadly it wasn't to be as he passed away so suddenly. We miss him so, so much and will treasure our memories."