Wales Gary Speed

More needs to be done to support sports professionals working in a high profile and high stress environment. The call comes after the death of Gary Speed in November 2011. A charity golf match took place in north Wales today to try to raise awareness of mental health issues.

A charity golf tournament is being held in North Wales in memory of former Wales manager Gary Speed. Football stars including Alan Shearer and Mark Hughes as well as current Wales manager Chris Coleman are among those fundraising. Gary's mother Carol says her son would have enjoyed the day.

A charity golf tournament has started in North Wales today with former star footballers Alan Shearer, Chris Coleman and Mark Hughes.

The fundraising is for the suicide-awareness charity Console.

The parents of Gary Speed, Roger and Carol were there for the opening. Their son, the late Wales football manager, was found dead at his home in 2011.

An inquest heard how Gary Speed's wife Louise had returned home to find he had hung himself. The inquest recorded a narrative verdict.

Speed's career had seen him play for Leeds United, Everton and Newcastle United, while the 42 year-old had also won 85 caps for Wales.

The golf event is taking place at Padeswood and Buckley Club near Mold.

Gary's mother Carol said it was the sort of event Gary would have enjoyed,"He loved his golf, he loved football more but he loved his golf. And if the money raised today stops another family going through what we've been through it'll all be worth it."

It's a year to the day since Wales Manager Gary Speed was found dead in his home. Figures from across the sporting world have been remembering the former midfielder, whose clubs included Leeds, Everton and Newcastle. In Llanelli, one of his former teammates completed his own special tribute.

Our Sports Correspondent Richard Morgan has this report.

Wales Assistant Manager John Hartson is the latest sports star to join former Wales international Matty Jones in his memorial challenge in memory of late friend Gary Speed.

Jones, who was a close friend of the former Wales Manager is attempting to cycle for 24 hours on a fixed bike in Llanelli.

Hartson's visit follows support from other friends of Speed's, current Wales Mananger Chris Coleman and captain Ashley Williams.

Former Wales international footballer Matthew Jones is undertaking a 24 hour static cycling ride in his home town of Llanelli to pay tribute to his former team mate and former Welsh manager Gary Speed.

Jones is raising money for Speed's favorite charities - the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the John Hartson Foundation.

"His memory will never die" he told ITV Wales.

"Gary will always be there in my mind and during this challenge that I've set myself".

"I know it's going to be very very difficult, but I'm sure that Gary's memory, and some of the motivational things he said to me over the years, will really push me on the end of this"

Former Wales international Matthew Jones has a begun a 24-hour fixed cycle ride at a branch of Tesco in Llanelli, as the anniversary of Gary Speed's death approaches.

Jones - who was a close friend of the late Wales manager - has been raising money for charity over the last year by running the London Marathon, several half-marathons and a skydive.

Gary Speed's friend and former team mate Alan Shearer spoke to ITV Wales after last night's game

"I suppose for the first time in history the result didn't matter. I think it was about the turnout, the response and the atmosphere" he said.

"His boys came out to the lounge and spoke to us beforehand. They had us all in tears!"