MORE than one year on from the death of a popular 13-year-old boy, his heartbroken father says not a single day goes by when he doesn’t miss his son.

Lewis Albon died unexpectedly in his dad Stephen’s arms at their Radcliffe home on March 7 last year.

It wasn’t until four months later that a post-mortem revealed the St Gabriel’s RC High School pupil had died of a blood clot.

Hundreds of people attended his funeral at St Thomas and St John’s Church.

Since January Mr Platt has been planning his first public memorial event for the young football fan — a charity football match to raise awareness of thrombosis, and to prevent other families from having to endure the same pain.

“I did not expect to still be finding it so hard,” said Mr Albon, of Cobden Street. “I think the fact that I saw him die in my arms plays on my mind.

“I thought after this length of time I would feel better than I do, but he was so close to me.

“That is why we are holding this charity event. It is something to focus on. We want to bring all the schools and community together. Everyone knew Lewis. We are expecting about 2,000 people to turn out.”

Teachers and pupils from St Gabriel’s will go head to head in the charity match on Sunday September 8, with Mr Platt playing for the teachers’ side, all in aid of national charity Thrombosis UK.

The event will take place at Radcliffe Borough FC. 

Lewis’ younger brother Jayden will be the match mascot, and will carry the Lewis memorial trophy out as teams enter the pitch.

Mr Platt has also arranged for several celebrities to attend the event at Radcliffe Borough FC ‘s ground, Stainton Park. Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, Scotland legend Colin Hendry, Love Island star Jordan Hames and former Salford City manager Rhodri Giggs are among the star-studded line-up.

Since Lewis’ death, Mr Platt has focused his efforts on completing a number of fundraising runs in his son’s memory, including the Manchester 10k, Smithy's Charity Trail Run. He is also preparing for the Bury 10k in September.

It is hoped this upcoming football memorial event on Sunday, September 8 will become an annual occurrence.

Lewis was a huge football fan; he attended Manchester United matches with his dad on a regular basis, and was also a season ticket holder at Bury FC.

Tributes were paid to him at the Shakers’ match with Peterborough United on March 13 last year. There was also a minute-long applause.

Two of his dad's lasting memories of their time together are playing football near their home and going on bike rides.

"He was my little shadow", Mr Platt said. He urged others to make themselves aware of signs which might suggest the early stages of a blood clot, such as aching legs, hot feet and swelling. He will share a few words at the memorial event in Lewis' memory.

The family event will feature a bouncy castle, a performance by local troupe Freak Dance, a raffle and more.

Visitors are invited to attend from 11am, with kick-off at 1pm, on Sunday, September 8. A disco has been planned for later in the day.