A CHARITY football match was held in honour of a Renton golf caddy who died after being hit by a taxi on the anniversary weekend of his death.

Andy O’Malley, 33, was hit by a private hire car on the town’s Main Street on March 19 last year.

He died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on March 23 as a result of injuries.

On Sunday, his closest friends and family united to pay tribute to him with a charity football match in his honour at the Vale of Leven Academy and a raffle at the Renton Bowling Club afterwards.

The day raised £800 in total and there are items to be auctioned off this evening to raise even more money for Robin House in Balloch.

Former school pal David Meechan, from Castlehill, organised the match. He spoke to the Reporter about the match: "It went really well, the whole day was really good. Both teams brought 15 - 20 players and there were a couple of hundred people in the crowd so a nice turn out.

"We went to Renton Bowling Club afterwards for some food and things organised by friends of Andy's family and there were probably 100 - 200 people there to celebrate Andy.

"That's what it was about, celebrating Andy's life.

He added: "There were over 50 raffle prizes and loads of people donated prizes and money, he was that well liked.

"I just want to thank my dad, David Meechan Snr. who did all the running about, it wouldn't have happened without him. A big thanks to Renton Bowling Club, Billy Murray and his partner for the food, Goldenhill, everyone who donated and Haldane United Sunday team for letting us use their strips.

"Although I'm pretty sure Goldenhill brought some ringers, trying to chase them young whippersnappers about was mental!"

The two sides playing in the event were Our Lady and St Patrick’s side, Andy’s former school team, and Goldenhill, Andy’s boys’ club.

Following the match there have been talks of making it an annual event in memory of Andy.

Friends and relatives previously rallied round to raise more than £1,700 to “help Andrew’s family through this tragic time by doing our little bit”. If you would like to donate to the fund, search for David Meechan jnr on JustGiving.

David added his thanks to everyone who went along to the match and who donated to support it.