A CHARITY golf day held in memory of Sam Copeland, who died aged 21 in October last year, has raised more than £1,900 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The former Sheldon School pupil was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis soon after birth and died last year while waiting for a lung transplant.

More than 70 golfers attended the day at Chippenham Golf Club on Friday which saw three-ball groups tee off from two separate holes throughout the afternoon.

Friends and family travelled from as far as Kent and London to take part.

Samuel was heavily involved with many sports teams and players and coaches from Portsmouth University hockey team, FC Chippenham Youth Football Club, Biddestone Cricket Club and teachers from Sheldon School all took part.

Samuel overcame frequent coughing fits caused by excessive mucus on his lungs to become a valued hockey player for Chippenham and Portsmouth University and represented Wiltshire. He studied maths at the University of Portsmouth and had a Saturday and holiday job at Sainsbury’s in Chippenham.

His father, Lawrence Copeland, organised the charity day at Chippenham Golf Club where he has been a member for over 20 years.

He said: “I have been a member of the golf club for 26 years so it seemed natural to use the club as a way of having a relaxed game of golf and make a contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the club have been very supportive.

"I think Samuel would have been overawed by it all being done for him. He never wanted a fuss but he would have been the first to make a fuss about someone else.

“It’s a hard thing to organise but it’s great to see so many people enjoying themselves.”

Many businesses also got involved either through sponsoring holes or donating raffle prizes.

Friends and family have already raised nearly £10,000 in Samuel's memory and Mr Copeland, daughter Elizabeth, 24, and son Ben, 23, are already preparing for their next fundraising venture – the Chippenham Half Marathon in September.

Donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in memory of Samuel can be made at www.justgiving.com/Samuel-Copeland