A TEAM of friends, family and footballers will take on an "emotional" half marathon in memory Oxford City managing director Colin Taylor.

The 62-year-old, who volunteered at the club for more than 20 years and set up numerous teams to make football "all-inclusive", died in July.

On Sunday a team of those who knew him best will run the Oxford Half Marathon to raise money for one of those teams - Oxford City Casuals - that has allowed disabled adults and children across the county to play the beautiful game.

His daughter Laura Hextall, who will be running the 13.1 mile route through the city, said: "It's going to be emotional.

"We need to be positive about it and think of all the good things we can do.

"In terms of support we have got almost £2,000 and we thank the people who have donated and are raising money to support us on the day."

Mr Taylor was instrumental in delivering the £2.1m sports arena which saw a full-size 3G pitch, pavilion and six netball courts opened in Marston in 2012 and has been used by thousands of people.

The retired accountant, who joined the club in 1996, told the Oxford Mail in 2011 that the Casuals' first ever game was his "happiest moment" in volunteering.

The team's Justgiving page has already raised almost £2,000 and Casuals manager Mark Heelis said he was overwhelmed by the response.

He said: "I am really proud of the community response - it’s about giving something back to the community and it will be a really proud moment.

“For me Colin was really important, he was the person who asked me to be manager.

He added: "I have got a huge amount of gratitude to him and his family for giving me this opportunity.

“It means a lot to see his friends and family running in this marathon, it is really poignant for me.”

His wife, Sue, whom he lived with in Wheatley, thanked all the runners - many of whom play for the Casuals - as well as Oxford City Football Club as a whole for their support.

She said: "I think it's wonderful that they are all doing this in his memory.

"We have had so much support.

"The football club is like a family because we have all known each other for so long. It is very emotional.

“I am just so grateful to the club.”

Darren Davies, who pulled the team together, said: "It's very emotional for all of us.

"Colin meant so much to me, he helped me out personally and I felt as if he needed to be recognised in some way.”

To donate to the team go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Team-CT