REMEMBERING the kind-hearted and brave life of former Royal Wootton Bassett footballer James Smith saw hundreds of people attend a charity football match in his honour yesterday.

The popular Royal Marine found out a year ago that he had terminal cancer, and the 24-year-old lost his battle just before Christmas.

Before joining the marines in 2015, James had played for the reserves and under 18s at Bassett before going on to play for Cirencester Town’s development squad.

On Sunday players from both teams stepped onto the pitch at the Corinium Stadium to play a match in aid of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

James’ dad Rod Smith, who is the chairman of the Royal Wootton Bassett Cricket Club, fought back tears after seeing the amount of people who came to honour his son.

“James was a very good sportsman and not just at football – he tried his hand at anything,” the 64-year-old said.

“I am just so overwhelmed by his generation. His friends have been so kind and loving to us and I know they all thought the world of James which they’ve proved in this last year. With all these dark things going on in the world, this restores your faith in humanity.

“James only spent a few hours at Sue Ryder but I described it as a place which is one step from heaven. The people are of a different species with their kindness and dedication and it is just outstanding.”

As well as the match, there was a whole host of other activities on offer including an Easter egg hunt, a bouncy castle, face painting and a cake sale.

Around £3,000 was raised through raffle sales and overall, the event managed to raise a total of £6,529.25.

Rachael Bartlett’s boyfriend Kyle was one of James’ best friends which is why she decided to help out.

She said: “James was so brave throughout the whole thing. He was loved by so many people and that’s probably why 400 people were expected.”