There will be a charity football match in Maidstone on Friday in memory of Joe Markiewicz.

Joe, who was only 16, died suddenly last September from a brain haemorrhage.

His mum Stephanie Markiewicz said there had been no warning.

She said: "He was fine. He came home from school as normal, had his dinner and then suddenly at 6.20pm he collapsed in my arms and never regained consciousness."

Joe was flown to Kings College Hospital by the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.

Mrs Markiewicz, from Upper Fant Road, Maidstone, said: "They kept him in a medical coma long enough for us to arrive to say our goodbyes and then he died."

Joe was a keen sportsman and an ardent fan of Maidstone United.

"He collapsed in my arms and never regained consciousness..."

He had played football himself since the age of six, first for the Barming Youth team and more recently for the sixth-form team at Aylesford School.

He also enjoyed cricket and was a member of the Mote Colts Cricket Club.

His mum said: "Joe was mad about sports. He was a happy, confident boy with lots of friends, as witnessed by the large turnout at his funeral."

Warren Lindley, the chairman of Barming Youth FC, has organised a match in the Gallagher Stadium on Friday, between Joe's old team-mates - the Barming U18s and the Aylesford School Sixth Form team.

Mr Lindley said: "I coached Joe since 2008. He was always a pleasure to have around. He was probably our most loyal player. He would play any position - he just loved the game."

The kick-off is at 7.45pm, gates open at 6.45pm, with admission at £5 per adult and £3 for 5 to 16-year-olds. There will be a raffle organised by Aylesford School students.

All are welcome to attend and the money raised will go to support the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance as construction firm Tarmac has generously sponsored the costs of the pitch hire and stewards.

Joe did his work experience with the firm. Anyone unable to attend the match, but who would still like to support the cause, can make a donation via a Justgiving page.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone