AN ARMY of friends are rallying round to ease the pain of a brave teenager who is recovering from a tragic accident.

Plans are under way in Darwen to hold fund-raising events for a trust fund for 16-year-old Stephen Lightbown of Sough Road.

Tragedy struck when Stephen's sledge went out of control sending him crashing into a tree in Bold Venture Park last month.

As he recovers in the spinal unit at Southport Hospital, friends are busy preparing to help the popular teenager come to terms with his serious injuries.

School pals at Darwen Moorland will spend the last day of term on March 29 taking part in a variety of fund-raising activities.

Deputy Head Vicky Davenport said: "Everybody is keen to do something for Stephen. He is one of our best students and we are all missing his contribution to the school."

Next Wednesday and Thursday (March 6-7) pupils, teachers and parents at his former primary school St Peter's in Darwen will take part in a sponsored Let's Get Physical event.

Claire Hunter who taught Stephen five years ago said: "He always has a smile for everybody and such a positive outlook on life. He is a true giant and well loved at the school. We will do everything we can to ease his pain and hopefully get the whole community involved."

The school's caretaker Donald Banks has organised a concert at Derwent Hall to help boost the trust fund set up by his mother in Stephen's name.

The performance of songs from shows will take place on May 10 at 7.15pm. Tickets are on sale at Derwent Hall and cost £2.50, including refreshments.

Mr Banks said: "The concert was originally planned to raise money for new stage curtains but when we heard what happened to Stephen we changed our minds.

"Stephen took part in a party for the pensioners here and everybody remembers him. We thought it would be good for the old to do something special for the young."

And Stephen's mum, Sue, has given her full backing to the offers of help being extended by the community.

"I am uplifted and heartened by the response of the community and their generosity. Stephen is a wonderful courageous boy. The future is still uncertain and we are taking each day at a time but he is displaying his fighting spirit and making steady progress," she said.

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