Brother scores for tragic dad Chris

4:15pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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THE brother of a young father from Urmston who died in a car crash in Wales has organised a football match in his memory.

Billy Higgins, aged 28, decided to plan the game at Flixton FC on Valley Road after 18-year-old Chris Higgins of Fairholm Drive was killed following a collision in Kinmel Bay, Conwy.

Talking about his brother, Billy, of Lansdowne Road in Flixton, said: "Losing Chris was sudden and tragic and it devastated the family.

"He was just so young, it was a terrible loss for everyone that knew him."

Billy went on to say how excited he was about the match, which has taken three weeks to organise and will take place this Sunday (May 18).

He added: "It will be great to see family and friends together as well as people I've not seen for a long time.

"I came up with the idea because Chris loved football so I thought it would be a fitting tribute.

"Lots of friends also asked me how they could come together and celebrate Chris's life."

Chris left behind girlfriend of two-and-a-half years, Kimberley and eight-month-old son Rio.

Chris was the driver of a Vauxhall Astra that was involved in a one vehicle collision on March 26. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

For the past eight years Chris had lived with his family and acted as a carer for his mother.

He had another brother, Thomas, and two sisters, Collette and Lucy.

Chris was born at Trafford General Hospital and attended St Ann's Primary School in Stretford and English Martyrs Primary School in Urmston before moving on to St Antony's Catholic College in Urmston.

After leaving school Chris had various part-time jobs and during the past year he worked as a DJ at the Millers Cottage Caravan Park in Towyn.

He used to play rugby for Carrington Pigs Rugby Club and had an interest in motorcycles.

All are welcome to attend the game from 2pm onwards and entry is free of charge. The match will be followed by a presentation and raffle.