Spencer fundraiser for fitting farewell

Members of the Bentley Freestylers kick-boxing club rallied round to support the family of 15-year-old Spencer, who died last week after getting into trouble in the lake at Ryders Hayes Mere, Pelsall, at the club's base at the Victoria Industrial Estate in Darlaston.

The night featured a big band and a kick-boxing class to raise funds, but it was the community spirit conjured up to try and help out Spencer's family which made the night.

The event was organised by Robert Ball – who took the kick-boxing class – and Lisa Taylor, who are friends of Spencer's family and own Bentley Freestylers.

Spencer, who was a keen boxer, was friends with Michael Walker's sons John-Patrick and Michael, as well as his brother Rogan.

Michael, 36, from Leamore, said: "I am still so upset over what has happened, everyone is.

"Spencer was a great lad and I used to see him often as he was a friend of the family.

"I can't imagine what they are going through in terms of grief but there is always a cost associated with a death and that is something nobody here wants them to be worrying about.

"It is tragic that we have had to put this event together but it is good to see the community come together, if only this could happen more often and not require a tragedy."

Tributes have been pouring in for the 'role model' teenager and now two fundraising pages have been set up to raise money for the Hurst family and to help pay for funeral costs.

The page set up by Pleck ABC has raised more than £3,000 so far.

Mr Walker added that the community were still upset that proper safety precautions had not been put in place to protect children at Ryders Haye Mere.

He said: "I can't get my head around how it was allowed to happen.

"To not have proper signs or protection is just wrong.

"We are all still in shock and hope that we have done some good tonight."