A charity set up to honour the legacy of a popular sportsman has told of its positive impact on the community, one year on from his death.

Aiden Lowe, from Beccles, was killed in a car crash on the A143 at Gillingham in September last year aged just 23.

From the darkness of the tragedy, Aiden’s family vowed to keep his name alive and set up Aiden’s Gift to help fund sporting activities for children affected by illness or disability through support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

Since its formation the charity has held numerous fundraisers, including a memorial football match, and has raised £8,217.

Matt Lowe, Aiden’s brother, said: “To have Aiden’s gift come out of such a dark time it restores a bit of your faith in the world.

“The support reminds you of Aiden’s place in the world, his great friendship group and how well he was thought of.

“A year has gone by but it’s still hard to take in what happened to Aide, he was a big character who touched so many lives.”

He added: “It’s really heartwarming to see the outpouring of support since we lost Aiden.”

Aiden was a member of Beccles Caxton FC, as well as previously playing for Bungay Town and Kirkley football clubs.

The charity has earmarked £5,000 for EACH’s new facility The Nook.

Mr Lowe added: “We are going to buy a piece of equipment for the facility, and in keeping with the spirit of Aiden’s Gift it will be to do with support.”

It will also gift £600 worth of vouchers for Norwich trampoline park Gravity to children involved with EACH.

Mr Lowe explained the charity is planning to use the remaining funds to help sponsor local children’s sports teams – a cause close to Aiden’s heart.

He said: “It was crazy, every sport he excelled in. I think he would have gone on to be a great coach.”

With the memorial match set to become an annual event and plans for a Valentine’s Ball next year the charity continues to go from strength to strength.

Mr Lowe added: “The family are forever grateful for what people have done and the love they have shown at this terrible time.”