Over £7,000 raised in memory of Shifnal dad Stephen, 34, after sudden death

Becky Wheatley, the widow of Stephen Wheatley who died from an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of 34, today thanked those who organised, took part in and supported a fundraising football tournament held in her husband's memory.

The tournament took place on Saturday at Idsall School, followed by a raffle and fun day at Shifnal War Memorial.

Before the event, more than £3,500 had been raised in Mr Wheatley's memory but that figure has jumped by about £4,000 to £7,000 from the tournament.

She said: "There are not enough words to describe how incredible it is to have raised that much money in such a small space of time and how amazing everyone has been to us. The day was just crazy, the football was brilliant and then the fun day was just fantastic. The war memorial was absolutely packed out.

"There were people selling cakes, there were photographers taking pictures of children in a lovely fairy scene and as superheroes, there were stocks where people threw water over people's heads; there was all sorts going on, it was wonderful."

Mrs Wheatley thanked those who donated raffle prizes which included tickets to a Wolves game, a spa day, as well as meals, afternoon teas and much more.

Mr Wheatley, from Shifnal, was on his way back to the family home on Admirals Way from his work as a civil engineer at Dawnuss Construction on June 28 when he died.

Since her husband's death, Mrs Wheatley and the couple's three children, Idsall School pupil Ben, 13, Shifnal Primary School pupil Emily, 10, and three-year-old Max have been given huge support by the community.

Mrs Wheatley said the children had a "wonderful time" at Saturday's fun day.

Mrs Wheatley says she has not yet decided which charities will benefit from the fundraising, and will decide in the coming weeks.

• To donate in Stephen’s memory, visit: crowdfunding.justgiving.com/steve-wheatley?utm_id=65