A FOOTBALL tournament that was due to take place in memory of brave young Wirral cancer victim Elliot Wild this weekend has been rescheduled because of adverse weather conditions.

In total, 1,450 young players were due to take part in The Claire House Cup at Ocean Fields at Wirral Rugby Club on Saturday and Sunday.

But because of heavy rain in recent days the event - organised by Jackie Wild following the death of son Elliot in 2011 and now in its eighth year - has now been rescheduled and will now take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30.

Jackie told the Globe this afternoon said the decision to postpone was made with a heavy heart, adding: "we walked the pitches this morning and were devastated to have to call off the tournament.

"The safety of the 1,450 children playing is paramount and we are hoping to see if we can reschedule a new date and we will update people as soon as we can.

"We have received some heartwarming messages of support this morning and I'm-humbled with everyone’s kind words and encouragement to reschedule and they’re unwavering support for our event and more importantly Claire house children’s hospice."

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

He was first diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2009 after Jackie noticed he had become lethargic.

Once diagnosed, he was quickly operated on.

But after more than a year of remission with regular treatment and check-ups, doctors discovered that the cancer had come back stronger than ever.

He was a keen Liverpool FC supporter and the club took him to their hearts.

He went to the LFC TV studios with Jackie to appeal for supporters to register with the Anthony Nolan charity in the hope that one fan may prove a match for the youngster and help save his life.

Despite setbacks, Elliot fought on and even managed to star in his own LFC TV show at Christmas, putting his own questions to keeper Pepe Reina during a special edition of SmallTalk.

Elliot's final game at Anfield was as a guest of the club for the recent match against Manchester United when he visited the Players' Lounge afterwards to congratulate his heroes.

Paying tribute, mum Jackie continued: "Elliot was a very special boy, and not a minute goes by that we don't think of him.

"We are so proud that his football tournament is such a fantastic footballing weekend that gives back so much to the wonderful hospice that helped us in our darkest hour.

"Money raised helps to continue their amazing work helping children and families like us at Claire House".

A total of 152 teams, featuring 1500 children, took part in the Claire House last year, raising £30,565.42p, taking the total raised over the last seven years to £275,000.