A FAMILY grieving for a loved one organised a charity football match to raise cash for the hospital ward which cared for her.

Mother-of-three Iris Willoughby-Doyle died aged 62 on January 10 after suffering from a lung condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, on January 10.

She was treated in the Geoffrey Harris ward at the Churchill Hospital in Headington.

On Sunday (April 12) Her husband Steve Willoughby organised a weekend charity football match between North Oxford Conservative Club and Oxford City to pay tribute to his wife and raise funds for the ward.

Two of Iris’s sons, Dean, 30 and Steven Doyle, 32, played for the Conservative Club and now hope to make the match an annual event.

Mr Willoughby, 52, from Botley, said: “Iris was the rock of the family without a shadow of a doubt. But me and the boys have stuck together and we are stronger now than we have ever been before. Iris was the life and soul of the party. She always had a smile on her face and was a lovely woman. She was an angel.”

Family and friends of Mrs Willoughby-Doyle gathered at Marsh Lane on Sunday afternoon where raffles and other fundraisers took place.

The mother-of-three She used to play darts for the county and it was while she was playing in various competitions she met Mr Willoughby. They married on March 22, 1996.

Mr Willoughby added: “She was well known for her darts.

“At the hospital they did a brilliant job and looked after my wife for quite a long time – I thought I would try to give a bit back.

“The event was lovely, it was a good afternoon and we raised about £650 for charity.

“Dean and Steven both played for North Oxford Con club and they won 5-4.”

Mrs Willoughby-Doyle’s sister Pat Potter said the event had been a great success.

The 63-year-old added: “I think there are still people donating so we could raise a little bit more.

“It went really well – my two sons Andy and Chris played with Steven and Dean.”

Former cleaner Iris grew up in Cassington as one of six siblings with parents Veronica, 83, and Peter Coates, 87.

Ms Potter added: “It’s been hard for my mum to cope with.

“The family think this could turn into an annual event after this year’s success.”