FOOTBALLERS battled through 'blistering heat' at a charity game in memory of a late Worcester man.

The 11-aside end of season charity match between GDL Athletic and a team of former players, the 'GDL Legends', took place on Sunday at the Porcelain Ground, Droitwich Road, Worcester.

The 90 minute match raised £300 for charity in memory of Andrew Perkins who suffered from a circulatory condition. Mr Perkins, who was popular with players past and present, died aged just 34 on Wednesday, October 26 last year.

As previously reported the money raised will go to www.butterflyavmcharity.org.uk, a charity which seeks to raise funds for specific research into peripheral, brain and extremity AVMs (Arteriovenous Malformations) with the aim to improve treatments and find a cure.

Other aims include raising awareness about AVMs, supporting AVM sufferers and their families and informing AVM sufferers about new treatments and establish a comprehensive list of treatment centres, specialist interventional radiologists, surgeons and doctors.

Paul Felton of GDL Athletic said the players played the match in blistering heat.

He added: "After a full-time score of 3-3, the former players won on penalties."

Chris Wyse, social secretary of GDL Athletic, said: "We had over 50 people there I think and raised over £300 from the raffle, over £500 on the day and in total nearly £3,000 has now been raised for the charity.

"Andy was very well liked by so many of us, he was a great guy and it’s nice just to have been able to do all this in his memory and raise some cash for a really good cause that doesn’t get much media attention."