Spencer Hurst: Funeral fundraising bid reaches target after lake tragedy
More than £5,000 has been raised in memory of tragic teenager Spencer Hurst to help meet the costs of his funeral next week.
Fifteen-year-old Spencer’s mother, Joanne Fellows, said she ‘can’t thank everybody enough’ after the community rallied together following her son’s death to raise the money towards his funeral.
Spencer, from Pelsall, drowned on June 20 after getting into trouble in the lake at Ryders Hayes Mear.
His funeral will take place at Streetly Crematorium on Thursday, July 13.
A fundraising page was set up after his death by Pleck Boxing Club, where Spencer used to box.
The total stands at more than £5,000 with more than 120 people donating.
Miss Fellows said: “It is amazing how the community has pulled together for Spencer.
"I cannot thank everybody enough for what they have done, it is absolutely amazing. It has helped me a lot just knowing that everybody cared for him so much.”
Asked about the death of her son just weeks on, Miss Fellows added: “It is still raw, I do not think it has fully sunk in yet.”
Shiney Singh, one of three coaches at Pleck Boxing Club which has spearheaded the fundraising campaign, said: “It is great to see the community come together and hopefully now Spencer can get the send-off he deserves.
"All we can do in a situation like this is be there for the family and lift the burden on things like the funeral.”
This past weekend a memorial walk took place in memory of Spencer.
It took friends, family and those wanting to pay tribute around the perimeter of the lake where the teenager lost his life.
Tomorrow, a non-uniform day is taking place at Pelsall Village School and Ryders Hayes Community School in Spencer's memory, while St Michael’s School will have donation buckets in place.
The money will be split between Spencer’s family and Pleck Boxing Club and organisers hope to spread the message to young pupils about the danger of open water.