AN annual football tournament held in memory of an nine-year-old Wirral boy has been hailed a huge success after it helped raise more than £20,000.

The Claire House Cup, took place last weekend at Wirral Rugby Club and saw more than 1,500 children taking part.

The tournament was set up by Jackie Wild following the death of her son Elliot in 2011.

Speaking to the Globe Jackie said: “The tournament is a great legacy to Elliot.

“We are now five years on since he passed away and people are still talking about him which is just fantastic to see, it also helps raise awareness of Claire House which is great.”

Nine-year-old Elliot died from leukaemia in 2011 and since this time, mum Jackie has been fund raising for Claire House Children Charity which is based in Bebington, as they looked after Elliot during his illness.

With the money raised from this year’s tournament, it now brings Jackie’s fundraising total to an impressive £215,738.72.

She added: “I am thrilled to see how much money the tournament has raised since Elliot has passed away.

“It is such an amazing amount that his name has helped raise.”

“Every year I see children helping other children and it shows such a great community spirit, I hear people who didn’t even know Elliot talking about him.”

“None of our success would have been possible without our sponsors, as a family we are so grateful to them.”

Organised by JM Sports Coaching and Everton FC and football squads, the event was open to under sixes to under 13s.

The main sponsors of the event were Bagnall and Morris and Neston building supplies who sponsored the trophy while Argyle sports and JM education sponsored the kits.

“Before Elliot became sick, we were just an ordinary family, we never thought for one minute we would need to use a children’s hospice.” Jackie added.

“While Elliot was sick we used facilities we were not even aware Claire House offered.”

“It is easy to take for granted that these facilities will always be there, but the hospice relies on funding.”

“We have something great in Wirral and we need to keep it and look after it.”