THE Monmouthshire family of a compassionate father who died 10 years ago while refereeing a football game are organising a charity match in his memory.

Phillip Blurton was just 54 years old when he collapsed and died on the pitch while refereeing a football match in Suffolk in 2002.

His untimely death resulted from an undiscovered heart condition.

Now ten years on since their loss, his widow Jan, and their three children, Sian, 41, Sarah, 38, and David, 32 have decided to organise a charity football match in Caldicot to mark the anniversary and help raise money for a children's charity that lay close to his heart.

Speaking to the Free Press, his eldest daughter Sian who lives in Rogiet said: "Our father was such a compassionate man and he always felt very strongly about supporting the NSPCC. We didn't know until he died that he also made monthly donations to the charity."

She added: "He was so passionate about football and really loved his role as a referee. We wanted to do something special in his memory and a charity football match seemed perfect."

Her sister Sarah added: "Many people who knew our father describe him as one of the most socially conscious men they had ever known and that is something we are all very proud of.

"We were lucky to have him for the time that we did."

The charity football match will take place at Caldicot Leisure Centre on February 4 followed by an evening event with live music, comedy acts, quiz and raffle at Caldicot Choir Hall. To take part in the match or if you would like to make a donation for the raffle please contact Sarah on sarahsdavies@hotmail.com