Friends raise £2,000 in memory of bicycle crash victim Jack, 17
MONEY WILL GO TO MEMORIAL BENCH PLACED IN ONE OF TEEN’S FAVOURITE PLACES
A GROUP of friends at a Hinckley school has raised more than £2,000 in memory of their classmate, after he died in a collision while out on his bicycle earlier this year.
Jack Mellor, 17, died after a crash on Leicester Road in Sapcote, in May.
He was in Year 12 at Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre.
His pals wanted to raise funds for a memorial bench to be installed at Burbage Common so organised a non-uniform fund-raising day at the school, themed around the little yellow minions from the Despicable Me film franchise and the colour orange, which was Jack’s favourite colour.
There was also a plant sale, including clippings from an Aloe Vera plant that belonged to Jack, which were all sold.
Janet Paterson, head of sixth form, said: “It’s been really powerful, particularly at a time when it’s difficult for so many people.
“It was absolutely student-led, they put together a little video for students in other years to explain who he was, and that really helped get people engaged.”
Jack’s sister, Loreley, who is in Year 7 at Hinckley Academy, recorded a clip for the video to tell people about her brother.
They originally set a target of £1,175, which was presented on the day on a totaliser decorated with lots of minions and pictures of Jack, created by teacher Mr Wann.
The project has now raised more than £2,000, part of which has been spent on ordering the bench, while the other proceeds will hopefully go towards planting an apple tree at the school and refurbishing the memo
We are proud that Jack has such fantastic friends. They are such genuine young people
Jack’s mum Jane
rial they have to departed students. The friends decided to put the bench at Burbage Common as Jack spent a lot of time there.
Jack’s mum, Jane, said: “He used to go there with his friends.
“He was quite an outdoors, nature-loving person. He appreciated getting out, and space and fresh air.”
She spoke of the family’s gratitude to Jack’s classmates for all they have done in his memory. She said: “We are proud that Jack has such fantastic friends.
“We have got to know them so much better and they are such genuine young people.”