AN INTERNET website has been set up in memory of a Locks Heath schoolboy who died from a brain haemorrhage.

It will be a permanent reminder of Richard Bowler, who was 15 when he died, and will publicise the fundraising work his friends and family are carrying out in his name.

So far the Smile for Rich fund has raised more than £12,000 and has paid for a number of projects including an outdoor classroom at Richard's former school, Locks Heath Junior.

The website will also give details of ambitious fundraising plans that could see fans of Southampton and Portsmouth football clubs coming together for a charity match.

Organisers are hoping the fierce rivalry that exists between the south coast sides can be overcome in the spirit of the charity event.

Already former Southampton and Portsmouth manager Alan Ball has pledged his support and agreed to referee the match.

He said: "I am delighted to be associated with this wonderful initiative to promote goodwill between rival fans and to raise money for charity."

Organiser Neil Westbrook said: "The response we have had already to the idea has been overwhelming.

"The match will be a terrific way to show the co-operation between the fans, particularly in the spirit of charity and raising money in Rich's name.

"We obviously need the support of both clubs. One idea is for the Portsmouth team to wear the Saints strip and vise versa - it will be interesting to hear who people cheer for.

"We would like to auction the places off on each side so people can bid for a spot alongside, hopefully, some of the ex-players."

Money raised from the event will go towards the Wessex Neurological Unit at Southampton and the Rocky Appeal based in Portsmouth, both chosen by Richard's parents Janice and Nick Bowler.

Mr Bowler said: "We are trying not to get too excited about this until we have got the go-ahead from the clubs. "We wanted just to have a goodwill event to start with to show the rivalry could be enjoyed. It wasn't until later we brought the fundraising aspect into it. If we go ahead on the scale we want, it could be really big for the charities.

"The whole inspiration for the match was obviously Rich."

Details of the event can be found on www.smile4rich.co.uk. The site is due to go online tomorrow.