A LARGER than life Worcester man who died too young continues to inspire his friends and family to raise money for vital city charities.

'Macca's Family Fun Day' was held for the first time last year and such was its success that his friends have organised another fundraiser at The Rec, Cornmeadow Lane, Worcester, on Sunday, July 23 between 11am and 4pm.

Four charities will benefit this year - the British Heart Foundation, Acorns Children's Hospice, St Paul's Hostel (who run St John's Dry House) and Cancer Research. The money raised will be split evenly between them.

Mr McCabe, of Claines, near Worcester, died aged just 32 on January 19 last year because of a reaction to medication he had taken.

Last year's event proved a big hit with the crowds but this year's fundraiser offers still more activities, including a dog show, pony rides, Emma's Fantasy Face Painting, a teddy raffle, a main raffle, three bouncy castles, a trampoline zone, a merry-go-round, a tin can alley, a giant Connect 4, a kids penalty shootout and a five-aside football tournament.

There will also be a burger bar, cake stall, teas and coffees and ice creams.

The fun day has been organised by Gary Prosser, John Bet and Sally Owens, Patsy, Norman and Leanne McCabe, June and Kim O'Mara, Peter Daniel, Jean Delord, Craig Blincoe, Phil Page, Matthew Smith and many others who are helping out.

Mr Prosser said: "We raised well over £10,000 last year and the hope is to beat that total.

"I think the plan is that this will become an annual event. Last year, many locals told us that it was just the kind of event that the Claines community needed as it caters for all ages. It's also a great way to raise money for charity and honour our mate John's memory.

"I think John would be blown away, partly by all the effort that we've gone to but mainly by the generosity of the hundreds of people who turned up last year and hopefully will turn up this year too. To see so many people (and dogs!) having a good time and enjoying the day's attractions is something I know John would have revelled in.

"John's family (parents Patsy and Norman and sister Leanne) have been very much a part of the organisation of last year's event and this year's, as well as running it on the day.

"To be part of something so ambitious and so celebratory of their son and brother has given them all great comfort, I'm sure.

"John was a larger than life character and his life needed to be celebrated in a larger than life way.

"All four charities mean something to John's family and the organisation committee so for Patsy, Norman and Leanne, these Fun Days are the perfect way to celebrate John's life, bring the community together and raise money for good and relevant causes."

Mr McCabe, a former Northwick Manor and Bishop Perowne pupil, was known for his twin passions, Manchester United and Elvis Presley.

He had an encyclopaedic football knowledge, loved to play the beautiful game and would flick up his collar in imitation of one of his heroes, Eric Cantona.

He also named his cats after Manchester United players, a ginger one called Scholes and a Persian one called Rooney.