Peter WalshFamily and friends of a 'brave little diamond' who died from a genetic disorder will be holding a fundraising event in his memory later this month.Peter Walsh

Family and friends of a 'brave little diamond' who died from a genetic disorder will be holding a fundraising event in his memory.

Christopher Chandler was just 24 when he died on January 8 2008 and it is hoped a pool night, to be held on January 16, will be a fitting and lasting tribute to him.

Christopher suffered from a mitochondrial disorder which is a disease in which cells are unable to burn food and oxygen to generate energy and it can cause severe kidney problems.

Even though he was on dialysis for a year before he died at the Jack Pryor Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) his parents Marilyn and Graham, both 56, said he still kept his fighting spirit.

The pool night will be held at Spixworth Social Club, where Christopher used to spend a lot of time with family and friends, and will raise money for the East Coast Truckers charity which helps disadvantaged children in the region.

Mrs Chandler from Crostwick Lane, Spixworth, said: 'It's good of them to do it to remember Christopher. We felt quite touched that they wanted to carry it on and thought it was a lovely idea.

'We decided after last year, which was the first one and a bit of a haze, we would make it more of a fun evening with a raffle and the money going to the East Coast Truckers charity which I think does well for the children.'

Poignantly last year's inaugural killer pool night was won by Christopher's brother Ben, now 23, but it remains to be seen whether he can hold onto the Christopher Chandler Memorial Trophy this year.

Last year the family helped raise more than �3,000 for the renal unit at the NNUH in memory of Christopher. Mr and Mrs Chandler do not believe their son would have stayed alive for as long as he did if it was not for the unit and have raised the money to help others who need treatment there.

As previously reported Christopher's heartbroken parents also made an emotional trip to Old Trafford to scatter their son's ashes at the home of his beloved football team Manchester United.

The family, which also includes his brother Ben described Chris as a 'brave little diamond" for the way he battled his illness.

Anyone who wants to attend the pool night in memory of Christopher can go to Spixworth Social Club on Saturday, January 16 from 8pm onwards. Entrants will compete for The Christopher Chandler Memorial Trophy.

Entry is �1 and winner takes all. Mr and Mrs Chandler will donate prizes for the raffle in aid of the East Coast Truckers charity.

Do you have an inspiring story about someone or are you organising an event in memory of a loved one? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk