FUNDRAISING in memory of Pembroke Dock “true gent” David Dutton, who died just over a year ago, has raised more than £2,600 for worthy causes in his memory.

Pembroke Leisure Centre worker David Dutton, 26, died suddenly on January 5 of last year.

An enquiry in to the circumstances surrounding Mr Dutton’s death is still ongoing.

Poignant floral tributes were left last year at the leisure centre to former Pembroke School pupil Mr Dutton, a keen half-Ironman triathlete and football supporter of his beloved Swansea.

He was described in one message as “a true gent,” and in another he was thanked for his “patience and passion”.

Among the flowers left were playing cards, reflecting David’s love of poker.

In David’s memory, friends and family have organised a series of fundraising events for a couple of charities, and things close to his heart.

Money raised by the Cricket Club during David’s wake, a music evening, and a poker night, raised a total of £253.50.

Pembroke Leisure Centre held a curry night for all employees, along with donations from the public raised £419.

Gary Pratt, David’s best and closest friend, organised a poker evening on June 8, attended by both players and friends, which raised £464.

Many people donated to undertaker Neil Roberts, in lieu of flowers, with a total of £165, as well as a cheque sent to Mr Roberts from Pembroke Dock Fire Station for £250.

Last, but by no means least, was the Just Giving page, set up by Josh Reed-Harrison, another close friend, which raised £1,080.

David’s mum, Zillah, said: “The funds raised have been been divided three ways: £875 to Children In Need, as David would always take part in any activity for them while in work at the Leisure Centre; £875 will be handed over to Swansea City FC on January 19, 2019, to be confirmed, for its defibrillator campaign.

“A defibrillator will be placed at Pembroke Boro Football Club along with a dedication plaque, after training has been completed, we hope sometime in February.

“Today [Saturday] we handed over a cheque to Pembroke Leisure Centre for £881.50, the use of which is still to be decided, but we hope it will buy equipment to be used by children, as this is what was close to David’s heart.”

2018 saw plenty of other events take place in memory of David.

A group of his friends on May 12, 2018 completed the Car–Ten (Cardiff to Tenby) bike ride in tribute to David. They all wore special cycling shirts with David’s photo on the back.

On August 25, the leisure centre held a well-attended family fun day in his memory.

The centre also renamed the Pembroke Suite, The Dutton Suite in his memory, and a tree was also planted at the front of the centre with a dedication plaque.

Zillah added: “At the end of the year we attended Pembroke and District Swimming Club’s presentation evening. Our youngest son Gary had donated a shield to the club in David’s name and this was presented to the winner by him.

“They also presented us with a cheque for £150 to donate to a suitable cause. After consideration, about five minutes, led by Gary’s wishes we decided to hand it back to the club to use for equipment. David had been a member of the club since the age of seven.

“A heartwarming speech was given by Chairman Phil Thomas and we were greatly moved by this.

“On a final note we would like to thank everyone for their donations and there best wishes during the past difficult year.”