Fundraising events for a special charity have helped keep alive the memory of the Ilkestonian who inspired it all.

Over £1,500 has been raised from donations by generous people, notably at a 70’s disco night and a sponsored car wash, to go towards the Cardiac Risk in the Young - CRY - charity.

The events were held in memory of 18-year-old David Pollard who died suddenly in January from a mystery heart condition.

As a result, David’s family are keen to help raise awareness of hidden heart problems in the young and support the charity CRY which hopes to make people more aware of what is such a devastating illness.

The 70’s disco night was held at the Kirk Hallam Social Club where 260 people donned their flares in support of the charity, which aims to make sure all children are screened in school.

The disco is an annual event for which the proceeds go to a nominated charity.

This year, David’s parents, Ross and Susan, were approached by organiser Clive Smith to hold the event for the CRY charity and he announced that the popular fundraiser will be dedicated to CRY every year in the future.

A car wash was also organised by Ilkeston firefighter, Kieran Armstrong, whose son was a friend of David's.

He said he wanted to get involved and the event, held annually for the Benevolent Fund, was this year dedicated to the memory of David. The proceeds from the car wash,  which raised a grand total of £682, will be split between the two worthy causes.

The event raised great support and they have singled out some organisations who helped them make it a success.

Express Dairies provided milk for the teas and coffee, which were provided by Safeway.

Kerry’s Chippie donated food and car shampoos came from the Riverside Retail Park’s Halfords store and Costco at the Wyvern Centre, Derby

The money raised from the two charity events will go towards research into Cardiac Risk in the Young

And the very worthy charity is even receiving support from celebrities.

Just weeks after the efforts of the fundraisers, David’s parents received a cheque for £250 from Premiership footballer, Steven Gerrard.

The aunt of one of David’s friends used her contacts with certain footballers to generate interest.

David’s father, Ross, said. "It means a lot because it shows how popular David was.

“A lot of people who knew David turned up, they did it for him. It keeps David’s memory alive”

Above right, Kieron Armstrong and firefighters raised £682