FAMILY and friends of a Worcestershire woman who drowned in New Zealand had an action-packed fund-raising day at the weekend.

It’s a Knockout took place at Worcester Racecourse yesterday to raise money for people with learning difficulties through the Emily Jordan Foundation, which has just been granted charity status.

Miss Jordan drowned while taking part in the sport of riverboarding and her family hoped the event would raise as much money as possible in her memory.

A total of 16 teams of 12 people took part in the activity-packed fund-raiser, and her family said they were delighted it went so well.

“It’s just lovely to see everyone getting together and having fun,” said her mother Sarah. “Emily was the most fun-loving person and would really appreciate this day.”

On Saturday, a charity football match was held to remember Worcester man Adam Done – known as Doner – who died of cancer in 2005.

Family and friends took part in the match between the Adam Done XI and Alma Tavern team at the Nunnery Wood Sports Ground.

Later, there was a pig roast and singing from Jules Benjamin at the Alma Tavern.

One of Adam’s close friends, James Walker, said: “The day went really well and we raised about £2,000.

“It was a very close game but the Adam Done XI won 6-5 in the end. Thank you to the teams and the pub who were very kind to us to donate their time and premises for the event.”

Another fund-raising event at the weekend saw a Smart car filled with balloons. Shoppers walking past the Guildhall in High Street on Saturday had the chance to guess the number of balloons.

The fund-raising event, organised by the Rotary Club of Worcester, raised £447, with people paying £1 a go with the chance to win £100.

Mayor Lucy Hodgson, who helped count the 307 balloons, said: “It’s a really original idea and it’s quite surprising how many of them can fit into such a small car. Hopefully, we will raise a lot of money for charity this way.”

Members of the Mercian Regiment were also out cleaning the cars on Saturday to raise money for charity.

About £60 was raised for the Help for Heroes charity, along with the mayor’s chosen charities.

Captain Daniel Atherton said: “It is for a worthy cause. It’s a cap badge projection and a great way to interact with the public, raise money and leave people with clean cars in Worcester today.”