A MEMORIAL skate contest was held in memory of a teenage BMXer who was found hanged.
About 200 skateboarders, scooters and BMXers met at Radcliffe skatepark, in Hutchinson Way, to pay tribute to 16-year-old Dave Hoptroff, who died two years ago.
Dave, a former Woodhey High School pupil, was found hanged at his home in Grant Mews, Ramsbottom, on May 16, 2012.
Friends Kieran James Hill, aged 26, and 17-year-old Joe Forrest, both from Radcliffe, hosted skate contest Davestock in his honour.
Skate shops in Manchester donated prizes for the competition, which featured categories including highest hop on a bike, best trick and best crash.
The event has raised £430 for mental health charity Mind and Kieran said it would become an annual fixture. He said: “Everybody had a really good day, and all the feedback has been so positive. It was a nice warm moment and a great way to remember Dave.
“We decided as it had been a couple of years since Dave’s passing it was time to do something in his memory which would benefit a charity.
“We were just having a laugh with mates when the idea for Davestock came up — so we thought, why not go with it?
“Thanks to everybody who came down.”
Dave spent most nights at Radcliffe skatepark with his girlfriend and friends. There is now a permanent memorial plaque there.
Keiran added: “I knew Dave for 18 months. He was one of those characters you could not miss.”
To make a donation, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Davestock.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here