Totnes Carnival is literally kicking off with a rugby tribute to tragic trainee teacher Ollie Marsden who died two years ago of a heart complaint aged just 21 years.
The carnival group has teamed up with the town's rotary club to organise a fun tag rugby competition at Borough Park in Sunday.
The cash raised from the event will be going to CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young – the charity Ollie's parents have been fundraising for in memory of their son.
Ollie, a keep fit enthusiast and a keen rugby player, collapsed and died suddenly during a rugby training session in Totnes in October, 2008.
A former pupil at the Grove Primary School and King Edward VI Community College in Totnes, he was in his final year of college.
Mrs Marsden became involved with CRY after discovering Ollie had died of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which is believed to be the second most common cause of sudden death in the young.
The fun competition involves teams of seven for under-seven boys and girls, under-nine boys and girls, under-11 boys and girls, under-17 boys and girls and under-20 girls as well as slots for local businesses and clubs.
The day's events include a barbecue and bar at the town's rugby club.
The rugby event is the first in a week of carnival activities which include a talent show, a baby show and the traditional floral dance and carnival parade.
