A round-the-clock pool marathon in memory of a promising young rugby star raised more than £500. 

Simon Mellor, 32, organised the event at Riley's Pool Hall in High Street at Crewe in honour of his nephew Ben Carter, who collapsed and died while playing football last spring. 

Ben, 14, a pupil at Coppenhall High School, was later found to have suffered from a hidden heart defect which led to his death. 

His family have been raising money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) ever since, setting up the Smiles Memorial Fund in his name. 

The money raised by Simon and fellow train driver Matt Flanagan during their marathon pool session takes the total raised so far past the £2,500 mark. 

Simon is the brother-in-law of Ben's mum, Joanne. 

He said: "Ben had such an incredible zest for life.  It is a privilege for me to contribute to the fund in his name. 

"It was particularly hard for the family over Christmas, but we stick together and take each day as it comes.  Focusing on raising money for the memorial fund has helped us all." 

The pair completed 207 frames. 

Simon said: "It wasn't too bad really, although by 7am the next morning it started to feel as if time had stopped. 

"I just want to say a massive thank-you to the staff at Riley's for letting us use the place, and to all the family, friends and colleagues who sponsored us.  Without them it wouldn't have been possible." 

CRY is a charity which raises awareness about so-called Sudden Death Syndrome in people under 35.