An event to pay tribute to a Cockermouth man who went missing while swimming during an Australian holiday raised more than £2,600.

Glen Sanderson, 31, was lost at sea during a holiday to Sydney last October. His body has never been found.

His friends organised a charity football tournament and family fun day at Cockermouth Rugby Club on Sunday.

It is one of a series of events taking place as part of a special farewell, dubbed The Year of the Glen Ra, in honour of a nickname he'd had since childhood.

He was brought up in Cockermouth and had moved to Manchester to work as a carer for adults with autism but always maintained strong links with his Cumbrian friends.


Glen Sanderson A group of his colleagues are travelling from Manchester for the event, with all funds raised going to the National Autistic Society.

Others who were involved ranged from family members to old school friends.

Other events have included a walk around Buttermere, where a bench has been erected in his memory, and a trip to watch his beloved Carlisle United.

The event raised £2,677 and £650 was raised from donations at a memorial held for Glen, which will also go to the National Autistic Society.