Walsall lake tragedy: Appeal for more funds for funeral of Spencer Hurst

Donations have poured in from all across Walsall and further beyond to help raise money for the Walsall teenager's funeral.

Fifteen-year-old Spencer died last week after getting into trouble in the lake at Ryders Hayes Mere.

Soon after news of his tragic death Pleck Boxing Club, where Spencer used to box, sent up a fundraising page to give the teen 'the best possible send off'.

Despite the £3,545 raised at the time of writing, the club is still hoping to raise more due to the expensive cost of funerals.

Terry Leonard, one of the coaches from Pleck Boxing Club, said: "Spencer Hurst better known in the gym as 'Spence' was a very well liked lad . All the boxers and coaches have been left broken hearted by the terrible news that has hit us all very very hard.

" He had been with us since he was a young lad at junior school and he had boxed for the Pleck Boxing Club in Walsall many times. He was getting really fit even though we are in off-season at the moment, such was his dedication to the sport. There is no doubt in our minds this lad was truly destined for major honours in the boxing world, he was just a brilliant and naturally talented boxer.

"He had a brilliant personality and was a lovely lad. He will be greatly missed by all at the club. May we send our deepest sympathies to his mom and dad and all his family.

"Rest in peace son, too young and gone far too soon."

Carlton Gower, a coach at neighbouring Walsall Wood Amateur Boxing Club who set up the fundraising page for Spencer, added: "The fund presently has just over £3,500 donated with quite a few other activities and fund raisers going along. But the costs of funerals being what it is we would like as much raising as possible to allow his family the best possible send-off that the lad deserved."

For those wanting to donate, Spencer's fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/carlton-gower

Tonight between 6pm and 8pm Bentley Freestylers on the Victoria Industrial Estate in Darlaston is holding a fundraiser to raise more money for Spencer's funeral.