FRIENDS of Bexleyheath schoolboy Philip Lamin who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing football have raised £3,000 in a week to help pay for his funeral.

The 16-year-old collapsed moments after scoring a goal at Goals Soccer Centre, Graham Road, on February 5.

He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich where he died.

In a remarkable show of respect and unity, a group of his friends at Bexleyheath Academy organised bucket collections and bake sales in his school and at the nearby Asda.

Friends, teachers and people who did not even know the year 11 pupil all contributed to the cause.

Then on Friday (Feb 15) they surprised Philip’s mum Juliet in Belvedere Baptist Church with a cheque.

Miljan Scekic, who battled to save his best friend after he collapsed on the pitch, said: “As soon as she (Juliet) saw what we had done she hugged me.

“She was shocked, lost for words and in tears.

“The whole school has contributed and hopefully it will pay for most of the funeral costs.”

More than £750 was raised through the sale of cakes baked by students working late into the night on Thursday, under the guidance the head of technology Mrs Guest. Many of those who helped wore t-shirts designed by themselves.

In a joint statement from Bexleyheath Academy headteacher Carl Wakefield and Tracey Boswell, head of year 11, praised everyone who has helped raise the funds.

“Since we lost Philip, the students have thrown themselves into fund raising activities specifically aimed at supporting his mum and into developing his Garden of Remembrance within the Academy grounds.

“The staff and parents themselves have also contributed significantly as have members of Philip's Church and the local community including our local Asda Store.

“Again the respect shown and unity displayed has been quite remarkable and we are proud of each and everyone of them.”

The talented striker, who lived with his mum in Gordon Road, Belvedere, died whilst playing in a friendly kick-about between year 11 and sixth form.

This week a mural in memory of Philip is being spray painted onto a wall next to the football pitch in the school grounds.

In the days following his passing, a memorial service was held at Goals Soccer Centre, the school hall flooded with touching tributes and the school courtyard renamed.

An annual memorial match between the two year groups is to be arranged to honour Philip, who is believed to have been set for a trial at Fulham FC U18s once he had finished his GCSEs this summer.

A funeral date has not been set.