FAMILY, friends and football lovers took part in a tribute football tournament in memory of a man who died of a heart attack on a Greek island.

Stephen Oliver, 30, was enjoying a night out with friends in Corfu, when he collapsed in October 2009. He had gone to Corfu five months earlier to work, and had found a job in a bar in Sidari.

Six male and two female football teams battled it out to win a trophy as well as reminisce on their fond memories of the Liverpool fan. Southend West MP David Amess also supported the event.

Stephen’s mum Jan Oliver, 57, of Blenheim Chase, Leigh, said: “It was a brilliant day, and it was fantastic to see so many people taking part in the day and chatting about Stephen.

“He used to play football at Chase High School, and he really loved the game, so it was a wonderful way of remembering him.

“People have said how much Stephen made a difference in their lives, and Dave, who organised it, said he wanted to organise this for him because he was so involved in raising money for charity.”

Friends and colleagues from Eon took part in a charity football match last November, where they raised £800 for a memorial bench at Southend Cemetery.

Organiser Dave Golab 29, from Retreat Road, Westcliff, who used to work with Stephen, said: “It went really well because it was a bit of a get together with lots of people chatting and coming together to remember him.

“He was a very generous person and he used to write to all the football teams and get them to donate items for Children in Need. I hope that we can continue this for years to come and if we can raise money for charity because I know that is what Stephen would have done.

“I would like to thank Lisa Trundle for all her help organising on the day.”