ALMOST £2,000 has been raised in the memory of an ‘inspirational’ 17-year-old boy who died at the weekend.

Oliver McIvor collapsed and died in Back Lane, Sabden, on Saturday.

The emergency services were called at 4pm and police said the teenager’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

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Tributes have been paid to the Burnley College and former Shuttleworth College pupil by his family, friends on social media and his former school.

The youngster, from Sabden, was set to join the army’s Duke of Lancaster regiment next month, following in his father, Vincent McIvor, and grandfather’s footsteps.

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A Just Giving page was set up to help pay for funeral costs, with an initial target of £1,000.

His family was also in the process of setting up a football match in memory of the teenager.

His cousin Bobby Carter, 17, said the budding soldier had lots of friends.

He said: “He constantly had a smile on his face.

“He was my best mate and my cousin.

“Oliver would make everyone happy as soon as he walked into a room.

“He was inspirational to us all because he loved to keep fit and healthy and look after himself.

“We could not believe this happened, it was a massive shock. I was very close to him, we were like brothers.

“I’m hoping to get the football match organised pretty quickly for Oliver.”

On the fundraising page, Jena Hayman, Oliver’s aunt, said it was such a shock to his family.

She said: “This man could light the whole place up with a smile or a laugh.

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“No one is ever prepared for the loss of anyone and we were certainly not prepared for such devastation this has brought.

“No parents should ever have to say goodbye to their children.

“Please help in anyway you can just to relieve a little pressure off our family at this difficult time.

“This man who was just weeks away from joining the armed forces had a massive future ahead of him.

“Please help give this legend, because that’s what he was, the send-off he really deserves.”

Ruth England, headteacher at Shuttleworth College, said: “Everyone at Shuttleworth College is shocked and saddened by the news of Oliver’s death.

“Oliver was a popular student who left Shuttleworth in the summer 2015.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this devastating time.”

Oliver leaves brothers and sisters Romilly, Charlie, Rhianne, Megan, Fearne, Ellie, Gabriel, his mother Tracey Barnett, stepdad, Matt Barnett and dad Vincent McIvor.

A dozen bunches of flowers were left at the scene on Sunday, and a written tribute was left, signed by Bobby, Scott, Alison and kids.

It read: “It does not feel real, I still can’t believe it.

“You were my best friend as well as my cousin.

“Love you always.”

To donate on the fundraising page, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jena-hayman.