Event in memory of football mad Liam Shepherd who died in his sleep

An online auction of sports memorabilia is being held to raise money for a youngster from Weston-super-Mare who unexpectedly died in his sleep.

Eleven year-old Liam Shepherd passed away in his sleep in March this year.

The Ashcombe Primary School student was well loved and well known in the town and played rugby and football locally.

Read more: Mum pays tribute to her son, 11, who tragically died in his sleep

He was a member of the Weston AFC Football Academy and played for Worle Village Juniors, Weston Rugby Club and Banwell Juniors.

He was also known for his kindness and in the year before his death had run a marathon in a week for the NSPCC.

He also donated food out of his own money for vulnerable people and made cakes for the NHS, police and his teachers.

In the weeks before his death Liam, a Manchester City fan, had organised a raffle to raise money for Winston’s Wish.

Now a special sports memorabilia auction is being held by Tim Clarke, the announcer at Weston Football Club and a family friend, to raise money for the Liam Shepherd Foundation.

Mr Clarke set up the foundation in Liam’s memory and to raise money for the charity he supported, Winston’s Wish.

Tim set about contacting sports clubs across the country asking for signed shirts and other memorabilia to go under the hammer.

So far there are 23 lots which people can bid for.

These include shirts from Hibernian, Sheffield United and Derby as well as shirts from Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Bath Rugby.

There is even a picture signed by football legend Paul Gascoigne up for grabs and an Aston Villa canvas.

(Getty Images)

The auction runs until July 3 and so far has raised well over £1,000.

Tim said: “Liam was all about kindness and helping other people.

“And he always had a beaming smile on his face.

“I felt it was important to do something in his memory and continue the work he had started for Winston’s Wish.”

Liam’s mum Kimberley said he was the ‘reason she woke up every day’ and described him as her ‘soul mate’.

She added that he was an ‘exceptional boy’ who always wanted to help others.

People can follow the online auction and place bid here.