AN auction in memory of Teignmouth sportsman Jon Hearne helped raise £5,000 for Rowcroft Hospice.

Jon passed away at Rowcroft in June, aged 64.

A humanist ceremony at the Newton Abbot Coach Road ground attended by more than 350 people proved his popularity across the local football, cricket and horse racing fraternity.

Kerry MacNish, from Rowcroft Hospice, received the fundraising cheque at The Blue Anchor, Teignmouth.

Alan Prowse, footballing friend of Jon and one of the fundraising organisers, said: ‘Everyone has been really generous and supportive of the auction and other fundraising events in Jon’s memory.

‘The charity auction was arranged as part of the annual golf day and reunion of the now defunct Newton Abbot Dynamos football club, together with Jon’s daughter Adele and partner Luke of The Blue Anchor.

‘Nearly 60 lots were auctioned on the night, which had been donated by former players, committee members and the generous patrons of The Blue Anchor.

‘Many thanks to everyone who got involved.’

In the 1966/67 season, Jon was an England schoolboy trialist and scouted by Tottenham Hotspur. Unfortunately, shortly after the trial, he suffered a serious knee injury which curtailed any chance of progressing into the professional game.

He played more than 300 games for the Dynamos, scoring more than 100 goals, as well as being club treasurer for many years. After the club had progressed from the local South Devon League to the South Western League Jon was joint manager and greatly assisted in the club’s progress.

A Jon Hearne Memorial Race is included in the Newton Abbot Racecourse meeting on October 20.