Team's tribute as fans dig deep for teen Alfie

FUNDRAISER FOR YOUNGSTER WHO DIED AT 16 RAISES THOUSANDS OF POUNDS

- By ABIGAIL MARLOW

A FUNDRAISER for a teenager from Slaithwaite who tragically died at just 16 years old has soared into the thousands of pounds.

Alfie Firth, who was a massive Huddersfield Town and Golcar United fan, died on September 13, his family announced.

The circumstances of his death are unknown, but the teenager suffered from a heart condition throughout his life after he was diagnosed with severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle, when he was just six months old.

Golcar United have since launched a fundraiser for Alfie after several people told them they would like to donate towards the family's funeral costs.

The club will also donate its gate receipts from its match against Thackley AFC on Saturday, September 27.

Dale Marsden, the commercial manager at Golcar United, said: "We recently learned of the passing of one of our dedicated fans, 16-year-old Alfie Firth.

"Alfie was present for almost every home and away match for the first team, and attended many matches for the reserve and ladies teams.

"He was a huge part of our football family and a person we will sorely miss.