The tragic death from pancreatic cancer almost four years ago of 30-year-old Mount Burr sportsman Bryce Pollard led his former team mates, clubs and family into an unusual fundraising effort on Saturday.

Mount Burr footballers and netballers in all grades wore purple socks in their home match at Mick and Jean Walker Oval against Hatherleigh as a fundraiser for the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

The socks were purchased by each player and worn with pride.

Hatherleigh A Grade footballers donated a percentage of their match fees to the charity while an Eagles supporter declined to accept a trailer load of cut redgum firewood which he won as a gate raffle prize.

The firewood was auctioned later that night and the proceeds donated to the cause.

It was the second year that Mount Burr had arranged the event which honoured Bryce’s memory and the town’s cricket club does likewise each summer with a 20/20 match.

Sue Pollard thanked all for supporting the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation PlayinPurple as well as honour the memory of her son who was popular past Mozzie footballer and cricketer.

She expressed her appreciation to the Hatherleigh club and its supporters for also backing the venture.

“It was not just the players who bought the purple socks to wear,” Ms Pollard said.

“Bryce loved the Mount Burr sporting clubs and he loved his mates here.

“It is a sad time as we mark the fourth anniversary of his death in the coming week.”

Mount Burr United Football Club president Maurie Puiatti has coached all four grades at the club and said the Mozzies were happy to honour Bryce and support the cause.

“I was Bryce’s first-ever coach around 20 years ago when he was a Junior Colt,” he said.

Mount Burr stalwart Adam Wiese said his club was also looking to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and the need for more research.

Currently, people who receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis have a poor outcome and Mr Wiese would like to see this change.

He said there would be a link to the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation PlayinPurple webpage on the Mount Burr Facebook page for those who wish to make a donation.

“I was a team mate of Bryce, his coach for a while and our families are very close,” Mr Wiese said

Now in its 9th year, PlayinPurple continues to grow across all geographies and sports codes with players of all ages getting involved and passionately playing in purple socks on one weekend of their local season to raise critical awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Foundation chief executive Michelle Stewart said she was excited to see players of all ages participating across the nation in the campaign this year.

“Awareness on this scale is exactly what we need to help shine a light on this disease and this campaign is a wonderful opportunity to increase engagement between clubs, players and the community, all participating for a very important cause – pancreatic cancer awareness,” she said.

“We cannot thank local clubs and the many associations enough for their support.”