THE family of an 11-year-old boy who died in a car crash last October have officially launched a memorial charity in his name.

Saffron Walden County High student Ethan Linwood, who lived on the outskirts of Thaxted with his parents Morag and Bob and sister Emelia, died in hospital five days after suffering head injuries in a crash between the B1051 between Thaxted and Great Sampford on October 3.

Last year, the Reporter revealed how the Linwood’s were looking to start a memorial fund in Ethan’s name alongside plans to hold a charity football match in his honour – with retained firefighter Matt Goullee, part of a crew called to help free Ethan from the car on the night of the accident, looking to help get celebrities and former sports stars involved.

A date has now been fixed for the match – Sunday April 21 – and a series of other fundraising events aimed at raising money for the Ethan Rees Linwood Memorial Fund announced, including a quiz night which sold out in 20 minutes.

Ethan’s mum explained how the charity came about. “Following Ethan’s tragic death our family struggled to find a way forward in life,” she said. “Then we were reminded of Ethan’s ethos on life. In a set of school work questions he described himself by saying: dislikes – none, except sprouts. I am happy: anytime/all the time. And when asked who he respected he answered – everyone!

“He was a confident, compassionate communicator at all age levels, a champion of the underdog, a friend to all and was undoubtedly destined to be one of life’s ‘givers’.

“Remembering this, we decided to continue with Ethan’s beliefs on his behalf and The Ethan Rees Linwood Memorial Fund was born.”

The aim of the fund is to raise the aspirations of children and young people, enabling them to realise their potential and have their achievements recognised.

Mrs Linwood added: “We want to ensure children and young people have the opportunity to learn skills and competencies needed for a fulfilling life, and assist them in overcoming the obstacles in their lives that hold them back.

“The aim is to work with disadvantaged children and young people, parents and carers within our community of Uttlesford.”

A website has also been launched today (Thursday) – ethanrees.org – which will include news and more information about the charity. It will include details about people who have donated to the cause, and the Linwood’s are welcoming donations for raffles and auctions at the various events planned. Volunteers to help with fundraising efforts and the organising of events are also being sought.

The family is now on the lookout for famous faces to join the celebrity football team for the game against Saffron Walden and have asked anyone who knows somebody to get in touch via ethanrees.org

? Tickets for the game will be on sale soon, priced £5 for adults, free for under 16s accompanied by an adult, and £2 for concessions and unaccompanied youngsters.