A MEMORIAL football match was held to honour a gifted eight-year-old who died during open heart surgery.

Harry Ingram, from Canvey, was remembered as the Island Boys under-nines team took on Elmwood Colts at the Island Boys Pavilion in Creek Road, Canvey.

The match was followed up by a fundraising fun day which, featured a bouncy castle, barbecue and a raffle, with prizes donated by a host of local businesses and football teams, including Man-chester United, Southend United and Canvey Island.

Harry, who was captain of the Island Boys under-nines, was born with a severely deformed heart and given little chance of survival.

He survived five previous operations. However, two weeks ago he died during surgery.

The former Northwick Park Primary School pupil’s team mates lost the match 4-0.

But manager Dan Wright, 22, of Vernon Avenue, Rayleigh, said the result was not important.

He said: “The lads were a little overwhelmed I think.

“But the day went beyond our wildest dreams. There were about 400 people, which speaks volumes about Harry.

“He was such a gifted footballer and I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

The event, on Sunday, raised £1,675 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities – an international charity which improves the health and wellbeing of children across the world. The charity had supported Harry and his mother, Kelly Staples, through his ordeal.