THE family of a popular young Blaenavon man who died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition hope to hold an annual football match in his memory.

Aaron Williams, 20, known as Azza, whose family and friends described as a “happy person who would make people smile with his cheeky grin” died on February 10.

The community rallied round and a match in his memory was held on February 21. Now his family hope to organise an annual match to remember him.

Shey Watkins, 38, also from Blaenavon, said he is organising the match in memory of his cousin on Sunday May 24, and will raise money for The British Heart Foundation.

He said: “Me and Aaron’s brother Craig have been organising the match and if it is well supported then we hope to hold a match annually in his memory.

“Football was something that the three of us enjoyed so it seemed fitting to have a match to remember him.”

The match will kick off at 2pm, and will see Blaenavon Blues vets take on a Welsh Veterans team.

He hopes that the event, which will include family fun activities and a bucket collection, will raise over £1,000 for charity.

“Aaron was very popular and we hope if the community turns out to support the event then we can raise a large amount of money for charity,” he added.

On the day of his death, Mr Williams was preparing to leave for Scotland in preparation for the rugby at the weekend.

But he felt unwell not long after leaving his Blaenavon home in a friend’s car, and died suddenly of natural causes of an undiagnosed aortic dissection – a heart condition.

The former Hillside Primary School and Abersychan Comprehensive pupil had worked at Doncasters full-time since November last year after completing an apprenticeship with the manufacturing firm.

Previously he was a keen footballer for Blaenavon Blues from under 8s to under16s, but more recently played darts, snooker and pool for local teams.

He is said to have “lived for weekend” and loved socialising with his many friends.

In tribute, Blaenavon Blues, released a statement on behalf of the club.

It said: “Azza will be remembered as an honest well-liked lad who always had a smile on his face.”

His funeral took place on February 20, at St Peter’s Church before a committal at Blaenavon Cemetery, and a wake at The Pottery Pub.

A day after his funeral, Blaenavon Blues’ match against Marshfield was dedicated to their former youth player, with a minute’s applause being held in his memory and ‘Azza’ was embroidered onto the Blues’ warm-up tops.

The coaches of Blaenavon under 7s will also be running the Swansea half marathon in June with the proceeds split between the under 7s team and the BHF. To donate visit: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dvcH0/ab/14V4P8 Mr Watkins is looking for sponsors for the memorial match event, for more information email sheywatkins7@hotmail.co.uk.