SWIMMERS came together to remember sports-mad teenager Richard Shaw in an emotional evening in March.

Coaches, teachers, committee members and swimmers of March Marlins - who keen

footballer Richard used to compete for - came together to host the Richard Shaw Memorial Gala at the George Campbell Leisure Centre.

The 14-year-old, from Peterborough, died on March 10 this year after he fell ill at home days after playing football for Gunthorpe Sky Under-14s.

A plaque in his honour was unveiled at the event by his mum, Marlins’ teacher Terri Shaw, and guest Ed Williams - set to be Great Britain’s Paralympic Swimming Coach at London 2012.

Participants stood in silent memory to remember the 14-year-old and all swimmers gained medals, sponsored by Carole Davies of Once Upon a Cake in March, for competing.

Marlins’ secretary Sadie Richardson said Richard - who had been a member of the club since 2008 - was a “massive character” and his death had come as a massive shock to everyone associated with the club.

She said many swimmers wanted to compete to show their support “in honour of Richard who was a huge part of the team and will always be sorely missed”.

Swimmers from Ely, who won the gala, Chatteris, Peterborough, First Strokes and Bottisham competed in the gala, which will now be held annually.