Family and friends are organising a series of fundraising schemes in memory of a cricket and rugby player who died at the age of 21. 

Chris Parr, of Lancaster Avenue, Leek, died in his sleep at home last July. 

Since his death, his parents, girlfriend Philippa Hurst and friends have fundraised tirelessly in his memory for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 

A cheque for £750 was presented to Martin and Diane Parr on Saturday at the F Ball rugby ground in Cheddleton in memory of their son. 

Chris's memorial fund currently stands at around £5,000, and his parents are using the money to hold heart-screening sessions at Leek Cricket Club next year. 

Diane said: "We're so grateful for the events everybody's organising.  It's marvellous.  If it were someone else, Chris would do the same. 

"It's been eight months since he did, but we try to think positively.  We've got to keep going and we've got through it with help from his friends and girlfriend Pip. 

"It's been a great comfort because all his friends and Pip have kept in touch and it keeps his memory alive."

An informal dinner, auction and disco is taking place at Leek Cricket Club, Macclesfield Road, Leek, on Thursday, April 28 for Chris's fund. 

It has been organised by Matt Bailey, who had know Chris since they were both nine, after they joined Leek and Staffordshire cricket clubs together. 

The 22-year-old bank customer assistant, from Endon, said: "We were good friends on and off the pitch. 

"The event is to support Martin and Diane's goal and is a thank-you to Chris for the memories.  His life was far too short, but this will show he's not, and never will be, forgotten.  I'm hoping everyone has a good night and we raise plenty of money." 

Matt contacted England's top cricket, football and rugby clubs for auction prizes.  The event is ticket only and they are available from Matt by contacting 07855 680543 or 01782 503964.   

Meanwhile, 'Pip' is doing a sky dive with her friend, Felicity Duncan, in June or July.  She took part in the Great North Run last September and raised £1,500. 

The 21-year-old from Hartington, is a student at Aberdeen University, where Chris also studied.  And Chris's university friends are organising a cycle ride from Aberdeen to Leek Cricket Club. 

Leek Cricket Club is also raising money for Chris's fund all this new season. 

And another of Chris' friends, Ian Alcock, and his mates are taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge. 

Ian's parents are asking for donations to CRY instead of gifts for their Pearl wedding anniversary. 

Reproduced with the permission of the Post & Times Newspaper series