SIXTY people are set to get their skates on in memory of a rising ice hockey star who died in an accident.

The large group of friends and team-mates of former Swindon Wildcats Academy prodigy Jack O’Donnell, who died from neck injuries following a cycling accident, have banded together to raise money for a charity foundation set up in his name.

The Academy players, many of whom knew or played with Jack when he was captain of the under-16 side, are to stage a 12-hour marathon game next Monday.

Close friend Ryan Richards, a coach at the Academy, led tributes to the promising England international, who died when he was 16.

“He is a big loss to everyone that knew him,” he said.

“All the people who are taking part are doing it for him and for some of them who played with him he was there idol.

“He lived every minute of his life as if it was his last. He never had problems with anyone and he was just one of those people who had time for everybody.

“The event is hopefully going to raise a lot of money for the Jack O’Donnell Foundation, which helps people that suffer tragic accidents get life-saving medical treatment.”

Daniel Pettitt, a former team-mate, said: “As soon as Jack set foot into the changing room on a game day or training session a buzz was felt in everyone's body.

“He wasn’t just a role model and an amazing person, he was a natural motivator, always there to pick us up when we were down. Always telling us what we needed to improve on and out-play the opposition.

“Winning the nationals is one of my best memories to date, and to know that Jack is included in that, makes it a whole lot better. Without him there it would not have been possible.”

Pete Winn, the head of the Wildcats Academy, said he would have wanted to have worked with the starlet, who could have been a top player.

He said: “He was a kid who was earmarked to have played at the top of the sport. I would have loved to have worked with him – it would have been fantastic.”

Minimum donations are asked of spectators wishing to watch the action at the Link Centre between 8am and 9pm on Monday. Adults are asked for a donation of £3, children £2 and £8 for a family of four.

For more information on the foundation set up in memory of Jack, of Thame, Oxfordshire, who died in July last year, visit www.thejackodonnellfoundation.org.uk.