SPORTSMEN gave up their free time for a charity fundraiser in memory of a young brain haemorrhage victim.

Boxer Billy Hardy joined footballing favourite Peter Beardsley, Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper and ex-Middlesbrough player David Mills in a question-and-answer session in aid of the Clarke Lister Brain Haemorrhage Foundation.

The sporting dinner and auction at The Postchaise Pub, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, raised at least £6,000 for the appeal, started in memory of ten-year-old football fan Clarke, who died of a brain haemorrhage in June 1996.

Clarke's parents Carole and Brian Lister, from Peterlee, set up the foundation to fund research into the causes of the disease and provide community nurses and support for surviving victims and their families.

Mrs Lister, who was at Thursday evening's event, said: "I am overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness that everyone has shown. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has given things for auction or has given a donation."