The family of a young man who died in an unexplained incident in Cardiff have thanked the community of Ely and Caerau for the outpouring of support they have received following his death.
Mark Anderson, 22, from Caerau, died suddenly on Monday, May 27, following an incident in woodland near Trelai Park .
Emergency services were called to the park and, despite attempts to save Mark's life, he was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff shortly after.
The former Glyn Derw High School pupil's death left his friends and family devastated as well as the wider neighbourhood, with Mark being described as the "best person you could ever meet" .
Since his death there have been a number of community events set up by those who knew Mark in order to pay tribute to his memory and to raise money for his family.
On Sunday, June 3, Mark's friends took part in a car wash at the Highfields Inn and on Saturday, June 29, there will a memorial football match between a Caerau Ely FC past and present team.
Mark's uncle Anthony Nurton said: "Mark was a lovable, respectful young man. He would always stop and chat and make time for anyone whether it was his mates, family, or even strangers he just met.
"He will be severely missed but never forgotten. I would like to thank all his friends – they have been our rocks through this tough time. The love they have shown has been next level.
"The community of Ely and Caerau has come together like nothing I have seen before in 33 years of living here, it’s been outstanding, and I would like to thank each and every person involved from my heart."
Mark Stratford, who coached Mark at Caerau Ely FC youth, described him as a "lovable rogue" with a "heart of gold".
Mr Stratford said: "He just loved football – he would be the first to moan about training because he took everything to heart but he loved football and he loved his friends and it's just terrible what's happened to be honest with you.
"From the response of people rallying round with all his friends just shows how popular a kid he was and how much he will be missed. I was blown away at his funeral – I had never seen anything like it before and I have lived here all my life.
"I have never seen a funeral where so many young people came together and it was so nice seeing the two sides of Ely come together but it was a sad thing to see as well.
"The response and the fundraising for his family has been phenomenal and this football match is going to be the icing on the cake."
The match will take place at Caerau Ely FC's ground Cwrt-yr-Ala at 2pm with a disco at the Homeguard social club at 8pm. Tickets are £5.
