MORE than £1,000 has been raised towards creating a memorial bench to remember the late club secretary of Prestatyn Athletic Junior Football Club (PAJFC).

Ian Price died on Monday, October 3 aged 57, having been diagnosed with cancer in June.

He was a founding member of PAJFC, and his association with the club lasted 26 years.

Peter Leach, PAJFC chairman and close friend of Ian’s, set up an online fundraiser page on the website GoFundMe in the hope of erecting a bench at the Morfas pitches, where PAJFC matches are played.

Peter, who met Ian through the club more than 20 years ago, wrote on the page: “Ian was the secretary of the club, and as a volunteer, he dedicated 26 years to enriching the lives of children within the local community.

“He not only helped everyone to enjoy the sport of football; he provided a clear pathway for children to develop confidence, team work and life skills.

“Ian’s contribution to his community will live on through the lives of the children, young people, families, coaches and friends that he has supported throughout his life time.

“Please give what you can so we can reach our memorial target.”

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Tributes to ‘irreplaceable’, ‘amazing’ Prestatyn Athletic club secretary

The target set, of £1,100, has already been surpassed, and Peter added that any funds left over will likely be donated to Ian’s family, unless any more ideas to remember Ian are put forward.

Denbighshire County Council has already agreed to the proposal.

Earlier this month, Peter paid tribute to one of his best friends following Ian’s death; news which moved him to tears.

He told the Journal: “He did so much – he’d always answer his phone, and he was very, very passionate. If there was a cause, he’d fight for it tooth and nail. He was very reliable.

“He was the cornerstone of the club; he made it into a family club. He was just amazing, and had so much knowledge about junior football.

“I would support him, and he would support me. We worked really well together. We didn’t agree on everything, but respected each other’s opinion and never fell out.

“I can’t not picture him being stood there in the kitchen area, with his cup of tea with two sugars in his hand, and his leather jacket and long hair.

“He was just so well-respected throughout the community; nothing was too much trouble for him. He’d put things on hold in his own life to go and help others.

“He was there for everybody; he was irreplaceable.”

Ian’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 25 at the Morfas, Prestatyn at 11am, followed by a service at Coed Bell Cemetery, Gronant at 12.30pm, and then a reception at Prestatyn Constitutional Club.

To make a donation, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/ian-price-memorial-bench-at-the-morfa.