HUNDREDS of Wirral schoolchildren have come together to remember the life of young footballer Cole Breadner at a tournament created in his honour.

The Prenton schoolboy was just 10-years-old when he died last February, just 16 weeks after being diagnosed with the rare and aggressive Burkitt’s lymphoma.

After his death, teachers at his school – Prenton Primary – thought long and hard for a fitting and lasting tribute to the football-mad pupil, coming up with “Cole’s Cup” – a knockout football tournament.

The second annual Cole’s Cup took place on Friday with 20 teams from primary schools across Wirral battling it out to be crowned champions.

The winners of the hotly contested but fun-filled tournament were Liscard Primary.

More than £1,000 was raised on the day, which will go to Claire House.

Cole, described by his teachers as a credit to his family, was known for his ever-changing hairstyles and his smile, as well as his love of Everton Football Club.

His mum Jackie said she was extremely touched by the school’s tribute to her son.

She said: “Cole didn’t rest at Claire House, but they have been a huge support to his younger brothers Lincoln and Korey with their counselling since we lost Cole.  The school have also been fantastic for remembering Cole too.”

Wirral Globe:
Liscard Primary celebrate winning a hotly contested final against St Georges Primary.

Cole had found out he had passed his 11 plus exam the day before his diagnosis and gained a place at Wirral Grammar.

He loved school and even when he was battling the disease, had attended at every opportunity.

“It was October and Cole had just sat his 11 plus and I thought he was just a bit anxious about his results and a bit run down because he just didn’t seem himself,” said Jackie.

“He got his results through and he had got 94%. He was a very clever boy.”

Jackie added: “On the Tuesday I took him to the out of hours centre because his tummy looked a little swollen and the doctors found three large masses on his abdomen.”

Cole was then taken to Alder Hey Hospital and was treated with intensive chemotherapy.

He had returned home on February 7 after undergoing an operation to remove the remainder of the mass, but Jackie said he still was not himself. He died suddenly on February 16, 2014.

One of Cole’s former teachers, Alastair Currie, helped organise this year’s Cole’s Cup.

He said:  “Cole had just entered his last year at Prenton Primary. He was a very bright boy who excelled academically. He was very popular, not only for his amazing hairstyles but also for his passion for football.

“We wanted to do something to remember Cole throughout the school, and we could have planted a tree or placed a permanent memorial, but because of how much he loved football, we thought it would be fitting to establish a tournament that could run annually.”