THE mother of a Rossendale teenager who was killed by a single punch has backed an anti-violence drive over the Christmas and New Year period.

Wesley Clutterbuck, a 19-year-old Royal Marine Commando from Whitworth, suffered a fractured skull after being felled during a night out in Rochdale last June.

His attacker had been drinking when he punched the former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar student without warning.

Now his mother, Sara Whitworth, is supporting the latest leg of the Greater Manchester force’s One Punch Can Kill campaign. Sara said: “It’s been five months since we lost Wesley and I can’t begin to describe the devastation and loss our family have and continue to feel. This campaign is particularly personal to all of us because of this loss.

“Our family will never feel complete again and I would hate to think of another family losing someone they love through a mindless split-second decision that can destroy a life.

“No mother should have to see the day of their son’s funeral.

“Christmas is supposed to be a happy time for the family but unfortunately for us we will be visiting our boy at the cemetery instead.

“This single punch has killed my son and destroyed the lives of everyone who loved him but if our support can help save a life then he can continue to make a difference as he did do with his gift of his life to other through his organ donation.”

Police divisional commander Chief Supt Annette Anderson added: “Wesley’s tragic death is the sad reality of what can happen as a result of a single punch.

“Often people don’t realise what they are doing when they have had a drink.

“And it is those split-second actions that result in devastating life-long consequences.”

l Reece Kay, 20, was jailed for four years at Manchester Crown Court in July after admitting Wesley’s manslaughter.