A football match played in honour of a popular Dereham man has generated £800 for the cause he was raising money for when he died.

Eastern Daily Press: Phillip Goillau.Phillip Goillau. (Image: Archant)

Phil Goillau, 25, a trainee teacher at Notre Dame High School in Norwich, died from sudden adult death syndrome after collapsing while running the Norwich Half Marathon in November 2011.

His friends gathered to compete in a football match at Dereham Town's Aldiss Park ground on Christmas Eve.

It was the fifth charity match to have been organised in the last seven years, but since 2011 it has been played in tribute to Mr Goillau, who took part in the first two games in 2007 and 2008.

This year, donations from players as well as raffle sales raised a total of £800 for the Variety Club Marathon Challenge, which improves the lives of disabled or disadvantaged children, and was the cause which Mr Goillau was supporting during the half marathon.

The game was won by 1-0 by the team captained by Gary Matsell, 30, originally from Dereham, who now lives in London.

The defeated captain Sam McDonnell, 29 from Lincoln, originally from Gressenhall, said: 'We are delighted to again surpass our previous year's donation, and would like to thank everyone involved for their generosity.

'It was great to see so many people take an interest in the game, and see it played in such a great spirit, which is a fitting tribute to Phil.

'We would also like to place on record our thanks to Dereham Town Football Club for the use of their facilities and helping make the game happen.'

To donate to the charity, visit www.justgiving.com/Variety-Club-Marathons-Challenge.