Speaking for the first time, a year after Graeme Robinson's death, his sister and his club chairman revealed how the players and his friends were staging a memorial football match and fun day in his honour.

Mr Robinson, or Robbo to his friends, was just 31 when he took his life on July 2 last year.

But keen to keep his memory alive and raise cash for Asthma Research UK, as he was a sufferer, they have organised the event in Whittlesey on Saturday.

Mr Robinson, of Snowley Park in the town, played for the club's first team and reserves for 14 years in midfield, and was in the side that won the Peterborough town's gh league in 2005/2006. He was a big fan of Manchester United.

After growing up in nearby Coates, he attended Alderman Jacobs Primary School and Sir Harry Smith Community College and moved to Whittlesey in his early 20s.

His sister, Cheryl Lindsey (39), of Heron Close, Whittlesey, said the event would be a celebration of his life.

She said: "He was 6ft 3ins – a gentle giant. His death has left an absolutely massive gap in our lives.

"He was a deep person, and very loyal and kind. He was no saint, but you always knew where you stood with him.

"He was very strict with my kids, but such good fun and sociable. He was the type who would give you a hug or kiss when you walked into a room."

She said her brother had been in good spirits in the days before he died.

As well as being uncle to Mrs Lindsey's sons, Jack (8) and Sam (6), he also had two nieces, Jade (14) and Charmaine (12) – his brother Neil's daughters.

She added: "His death has impacted on family and friends. He will always be in our hearts."

Wayne Gale, chairman of Whittlesey United and a school friend, said: "He was a likeable lad and really committed to football."

He hopes Saturday's event will turn into a regular fund-raiser in his pal's memory and thanked the sub-committee and local business for their help.

Another close friend, David Taylor (29), from Whittlesey, said: "We wanted to do something in memory of him. We hope that many people will come along to the event and join in the fun as well as raise money for charity."