A FOOTBALL club has raised thousands of pounds in aid of a former player killed by mystery bacterial infection

Josh Ayuba, 18, of Flint Close in Portslade, told family and friends he was suffering from a painful earache last month, and died in hospital two weeks later.

The youngster played right-midfield for Southwick FC’s under-21s, and the club organised a charity match against Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA), where Josh studied, on Sunday.

Southwick FC hosted the match at their ground, Old Barn Way, with PACA winning 4-2.

Mark Hilfiker, the club’s manager, was delighted with how his former player was honoured.

He said: “It was very successful and we have managed to raise a lot of money for Josh’s family.

“They are made up with the way the club has come together to raise money for them, and it is nice to be able to help them at this time.”

Josh, who died on September 2 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, was urged to see a doctor by his family when complaining about the earache.

He went to his GP at the Mile Oak Medical Centre in Chalky Road, where he was given medicine and sent home.

However, five days later Josh returned to the clinic and saw another doctor, who immediately sent him to the hospital’s accident and emergency department.

Unknown bacteria had formed and reached his brain, causing him to hallucinate and suffer seizures.

The teenager was due to begin studying economics at Bournemouth University this month before his tragic death. He was “extremely generous” and leaves two sisters, Ruth and Jubilee, and Estrella and Olu, his mother and father.

About 300 people turned out to raise money for Josh, with £1,500 generated from the fundraiser.

The club also set up a Justgiving page with a goal of £2,500 to go towards funeral expenses - it has already raised almost £4,000.

Mr Hilfiker said Josh was a talented footballer who “never wanted to let anyone down” and was extremely popular with his fellow team-mates.

The PACA team, which also featured friends of Josh, wore shirts with his name on the back.

Ex-Albion captain Paul Rogers featured for the Southwick XI, and former Crystal Palace player John Salako attended and spoke to family.