THE life of Portland United legend Barry Lawley will be remembered this coming weekend with a special day of fundraising at his former club.

Lawley, who played for and managed the Blues with distinction, passed away in March at the age of 75 after a long illness.

A host of activities take place at Lawley’s beloved Grove Corner on Saturday, the highlight being a charity match (3pm) featuring players past and present.

Darren Whyton and Nick Preston take charge of the two teams involved, Portland and the Islanders, both of which Lawley managed.

Some 40 players have put their names down to take part but organisers say there is still room for more, particularly those who played under Lawley at one time or another.

“I knew Barry pretty much all my life,” said Whyton. “I used to work for him in his fish shop when I was 12 and he was like a second dad to me.

“Barry and Pete Turrell were joint managers of Portland United and they had some really successful times at the club.

“I’m hoping it’s going to be a great day on Saturday and we want it to be like another send off for Barry.”

Lawley’s daughter, Donna Marquis, added: “Darren is a very close friend of the family and after the charity match that was held on Boxing Day he said the club would like to do another one.

“We have just been waiting for a date to become available and it happens that it coincides with the club winning the league as well, so it’s a double celebration.

“Portland United was my dad’s life and his ashes are scattered on the pitch at Grove Corner – he was so highly thought of up there.”

Proceeds from the game, and the day as a whole, are to go to the Chalbury Unit at Weymouth Community Hospital, which cared for Lawley for 17 months after he was diagnosed with dementia.

Entry to the event is £2 and the fun starts at 1pm with live music from Duncan Elder and Doctor Robert, a penalty shoot-out competition, face painting, bouncy castle and refreshments.

The Weymouth Ukeleleans perform after the main game before a disco starts at 8pm.

Players taking part include Lawley’s grandson, Jake Masters, and the following; Pete Turrell, Nick Preston, Ian Hutchinson, Alex Browne, Simon Browne, Darren Whyton, Lewis Whyton, Willie Gibson, Maurice Welch, Adam Doidge, Mark Butcher, Darren Deadman, Alan Rodgers, Mark Carter, Gavin Sandrey, Robin Satherley, Chris Wilson, Mark Kenway, Paul Gadsby, Paul Durkin.

If you want to get involved, contact Darren Whyton on 07764571226 or Nick Preston on 07523329358.