FRIENDS and family of a young businessman tragically killed in London have paid tribute to him as the first anniversary of his death approaches.

Dave Gooderham

FRIENDS and family of a young businessman tragically killed in London have paid tribute to him as the first anniversary of his death approaches.

The life of 26-year-old Gareth Weiland was remembered yesterday in his home village of Boxford, near Sudbury, as friends from the local area as well as his former university joined together in his honour.

Mr Weiland died a year ago when he was in collision with a dustcart as he got out of a taxi in east London.

He suffered devastating head injuries in the collision and later died in hospital. Within hours of his death, his parents took the decision to allow his organs to be used to save others.

His life was remembered with the charity cricket day with money raised going towards local clubs and groups in the village.

Ben Woodfield, a friend of Mr Weiland's who organised the event, said: “It has been a really great day and something that Gareth himself would have loved.

“The sun has been shining, there is not a cloud in the sky and everyone is just having a great time. We wanted to do something that would remember Gareth while also making it relaxed and chilled and it has become a really good village fun day.

“Gareth's family were the first ones here and they have had a good day and were fully behind what we wanted to achieve.”

Yesterday's event at the village playing fields saw four cricket teams take part - Edwardstone Cricket Club, Boxford Rovers Football Club and two teams from Mr Weiland's former university and the local area.

There was also a live band and auction which featured items from Mr Weiland's favourite football team, Tottenham Hotspur.

Mr Woodfield also paid tribute to the generosity shown by people supporting and attending the event.

Mr Weiland had followed his father into the telephone industry and was carving a successful career when tragedy struck.

In April, Stephen Alderton, of Rose Lane, Romford, Essex, pleaded guilty to one charge of speeding in relation to the accident.

He was fined �300, ordered to pay �70 costs, a �15 victim surcharge and had his licence endorsed with three penalty points.