TWO Saints players have handed over huge cheques to charity following a memorial football match for a talented teenage footballer who collapsed and died.

Darren Kenton and David Prutton presented the Wessex Neurological Centre and Portsmouth Hospital's Rocky Appeal with an equal share of £16,618.

The money was raised at a football day, organised by the fundraising Smile For Rich group, before the Saints and Portsmouth football match in December.

It was set up in memory of 15-year-old Richard Bowler, of Locks Heath, who died of a brain haemorrhage in July 2002 after collapsing during a training session with Sarisbury Sparks.

More than 700 people attended the day which saw a number of sponsored football matches take place between 14 to 16-year-olds. Saints legend Alan Ball and Portsmouth hero Steve Claridge also put in appearances.

It was hoped that the event would bring rival sets of fans together and quell any potential trouble when the two teams met in the Premiership.

Richard's father, Nick Bowler, said: "We'd just like to say a huge thank you to the clubs, the supporters who organised the fun day, and to all the businesses and individuals who helped make it the great success that it was."

After receiving the donation, David d'Arcy Hughes from the neurological centre said: "This is a wonderful donation and one of the largest we have ever received.

"I would like to thank Mr and Mrs Bowler for the courage they have shown and for their determination to see some good come from their tragic loss."

Mick Lyons from the Rocky Appeal said: "I know that an enormous amount of work went into organising the fun day and it was great to see so many families and youngsters enjoying the event.

"Those involved should feel very proud to have raised such a tremendous total."