WHEN Ricky Young lined up with the rest of Oxford City Stars ice hockey team at the weekend the match had a particular resonance.

The game, in which the team drew 2- 2 against Cardiff Devils 2, was held in memory of Mr Young’s dad, Raymond Young, who died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on January 23, aged 72.

Mr Young senior, a retired milkman, had spent the past 12 years ferrying his son to and from ice hockey games and training all over the country.

Ricky Young, 22, said: “There were a couple of memorial games last summer for people in the ice rink that had passed away and it just seemed the right sort of thing to do.

“I felt proud more than anything, and I think it made me play the best game I have played this season just to make it all worth it.”

Mr Young added: “Before the game and between each period in the changing room I was thinking about my dad a lot.

“I actually think he would have loved it.”

Mr Young’s sister, Tracey, 26, and mother, Carol, held a raffle and cake stall at the game in aid of the day treatment centre at the Churchill Hospital cancer and haematology ward where Mr Young senior was cared for.

That raised £216, another £130 was raised in donations from Mr Young’s funeral, and Miss Young’s employers, Macmillan Publishers, have agreed to match the total.

Miss Young said: “Dad really didn’t like the long, drawn out time sitting there for treatment and it was always in his nature to help people in any way he could.

“We know that he would want to help make this treatment more pleasant for people.”

The hospital is trying to raise £15,000 to improve the room with better furniture, privacy screens, and artwork.

Miss Young described her father as a “dedicated hockey parent” who never missed a game until he was diagnosed with cancer in May 2011.

He had fought the same cancer and recovered 15 years previously and after treatment last year including chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions.

Call Andrew House on 01865 743427 or visit orhcharitable funds.nhs.uk to donate to the appeal.