FRIENDS and family remembered “gentle giant” Andrew Nicholls with a fundraising weekend in Freethorpe.A charity evening and sponsored walk was held in tribute to Andrew, nicknamed Andas, who died last year aged 30.

FRIENDS and family remembered “gentle giant” Andrew Nicholls with a fundraising weekend in Freethorpe.

A charity evening and sponsored walk was held in tribute to Andrew, nicknamed Andas, who died last year aged 30.

Around 120 people attended a disco and karaoke evening at the village hall on Saturday night, including Andrew's mates from the Bad News banger racing team.

Earlier in the evening the team had taken part in a race in Andrew's honour at Mildenhall Stadium before arriving in time for last orders to join in a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'

A dry-liner, Andrew had a long association with Freethorpe Football Club including a spell as assistant manager of the Sunday adult team.

Several businesses donated a total of 95 prizes for the raffle and more than �700 was raised on the night for the Neurological Critical Care Unit at Addenbrookes Hospital.

On Sunday, Andrew's nieces Tammy, eight, Lucy, four, and seven year old Kayleigh took part in a three mile sponsored walk round Freethorpe, which raised �416.

The total of �1,127 was match funded by British Sugar at Cantley where Andrew's mum Sandra works and a cheque for �2,254 is being send to the Addenbrookes,

Andrew's sister Melanie, who organised the weekend's events, said: “I wanted something good to come out of a bad situation and it was an absolutely fantastic, brilliant weekend. It is a year since Andrew's death and I wanted to do something to remember him

“Everyone was so kind, local businesses rallied round donating items for the raffle and so many people gave money to the children - it shows how highly he was thought of. He was a big man, who could appear intimidating, but he had a very kind heart and was a true gentle giant.”

“Sandra, Dreamy, Bev, Mel and family would like to thank everyone who participated.”