FUNDRAISERS behind the campaign to raise money in memory of tragic Burnley teenager Declan Edwards said they hoped to raise £20,000.
A number of events have already taken place following the death of 16-year-old Declan two weeks ago.
Further fundraisers are being planned to raise enough for a lasting memorial and to help fund activities for children.
Tom Oliver, whose girlfriend’s son was one of Declan’s closest friends, said: “The response has been overwhelming and we expect to raise possibly as much as £20,000.
“That will help build a memorial for Dec and possibly something to help the kids of the community off the streets in an attempt to prevent something like this happening again.”
A curry night at the Bombay Lounge, in Barrowford, on Friday night, raised more than £1,000, which helped to pay for the funeral, which was attended by hundreds of people on Saturday.
Children from Brunshaw Primary School raised £521 last week with a non-uniform day, and a football match between Declan’s school Unity College and Shuttleworth College raised £900.
Mr Oliver has created a website for people to donate at declan-edwards.loud-marketing.net, and will be adding details of donations to the site.
He said: “We are pleasantly surprised and grateful how the town and surrounding area has pulled together in such a difficult time.”
A full inquest will be heard on August 19 after he was found hanging in Rowley Park, Burnley, on May 8.
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