THE Charlie Allum Memorial Day returned to Wallingford with a twist in the searing heat on Saturday.

Making its eighth return, the festival of football saw two ex-Premier League players attend the enhanced offering, which this year included two one-off games as well as the main tournament.

Around 165 players attended the event from 10am at Crowmarsh Gifford Recreation Ground, in memory of the popular Wallingford footballer and manager, who died aged 55 in 2011.

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The annual charity day fundraises for AMMF, which specialises in research into the form of liver cancer that Mr Allum died of.

This year saw two former Wallingford Town players, John Dreyer and Gary Elkins – who went on to play in the Premier League with Bradford and Wimbledon respectively – run two of the tournament teams and play in the veterans’ match, held in memory of Cholsey United legend, Ronald ‘Flippy’ Fox for the second year running.

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Mr Dreyer, who also made 60 appearances for Oxford United, scored the winning penalty after a 0-0 draw to hand Dave's Cholsey United 11 the trophy.

As well as that over-35s game, and the eight-team tournament won by Ron's Royces in a 2-0 win, this year also featured a one-off ladies’ match in memory of Cholsey United favourite Harry Bonner, himself a former chairman and player alongside Ronald Fox.

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Wallingford Whippets won the tournament thanks to a pulsating 6-4 win, which contributed some £150 to charity, owing to three company pledges to donate £5 for each goal scored on the day.

In total, £2,500 was raised for AMMF, with a further £1,500 going to the club.

The popular summer charity event was once again organised by Charlie Allum’s family, including his son and current manager of Cholsey United Football Club, Chris.

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He explained: “It went amazingly well - probably our best attended event since we started, I would say 300 people showed up."

Noting the blistering heat, he added: "It was ridiculously hot in the sun - that was obviously a worry but it was fine in the end. It was a fantastic day for spectating."

Fans were also treated to a raffle, tombola, BBQ, bouncy castle, family photo boards, refreshment tent, outdoor bar and ice cream van.

AMMF, the UK’s only cholangiocarcinoma charity, campaigns to raise awareness of the world’s second most common primary liver cancer, and encourages and supports research.

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Chris, his family and friends, had helped raise almost £37,000 for the organisation through various fundraisers including the memorial day, and various marathons and half marathons, prior to the weekend's tournament.

CEO Helen Morement said: “This fantastic family friendly event is fast becoming a key diary date for the summer.

“We are so grateful to Chris and all the Allum family for their invaluable support in ensuring we are able to continue our work.”