A HEARTBROKEN family still coming to terms with the death of teenager Gary Odlum are hoping his memory will live on in the town.

They are trying to raise more than £5,000 to have a plaque bearing Gary's name placed in the intensive care unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Gary died after being attacked outside Bank Street Taxis in March, 2000. He would have been 21 this year.

Friends have already raised £280 after selling off in an Internet auction a signed Bolton Wanderers shirt belonging to star player Fredi Bobic

Now, Gary's uncle Simon Robinson has acquired the shirt of Wanderers captain Gudni Bergsson.

It, too, will be auctioned on the Internet. The family hope to raise at least £500 from the sale of the shirt which will be framed.

All cash raised will go towards the Bolton Evening News' adopted charity, the Coronary Care Appeal, which aims to raise £1 million to build a new heart unit.

The plaque in memory of Gary will be an acknowledgement of a £5,000 donation to the appeal.

A sportsman's dinner will also be staged at Horwich RMI on May 31 which is expected to bring in thousands of pounds for the charity. One of Bolton's greatest goal scorers, Frank Worthington, will be guest of honour at the sell-out event.

Mr Robinson said: "We are still coming to terms with Gary's death. He was on his first date with his girlfriend when he died. The family had to decide to switch off the life-support machine. It was heartbreaking.

"His parents are pleased at the response to the appeal. We are well on target to reach the £5,000 to put a plaque up in Gary's memory. It not only helps Bolton people but means Gary's name will live on."

BIDS for Gudni Bergsson's shirt can be placed on the website www.boltonwanderers.rivals.net or by leaving a message at bwfchorwich@aol.com or sirobinson@btinternet.com