Dozens gather for memorial walk in tribute to tragic Spencer Hurst - PICTURES

Mourners young and old who knew the 15-year-old rallied round at Ryder's Hayes Mere in Pelsall – the spot where he died – to convert the heartbreak into something positive.

The event, which was organised by family friend Melissa Wilcox, was taking place to create awareness of the dangers of swimming in water and to fundraise for his family.

Tributes including hundreds of flowers, candles and several plaques had already been left at the scene following the tragedy, which unfolded on June 20.

The walk started at 12.30pm on Saturday and those that took part walked around the perimeter of the lake.

Mrs Wilcox, aged 25, from Leamore, said Spencer was a 'cheeky' and 'caring' boxing and Walsall FC and fanatic.

"Its a sponsored walk around the lake just to show our appreciation for Spencer and to earn some money for him,"she said.

"I think he'd be pleased with us, how the community has come together. My sister is best mates with his mum and we've always seen him about.

"It's a bit of a shock really because I only saw him on the Saturday before it happened. He was having a laugh and a joke.

"Everybody knows him – there's that many people who know him it's unbelievable. He was a very well known lad.

"He was cheeky, love and very caring. It's lovely seeing all the tributes left for him and amazing to see how many people have come together."

So far, a fundraising page which was launched by soon after his death by Pleck Boxing Club, where he used to box, has raised more than £4,300 to pay for his funeral.

Various other fundraising events have been taking place across Walsall in memory of the teenager.

One family friend of Spencer, who asked not to be named, is organising a non-uniform event at schools across Pelsall.

She said: "I went down to Pelsall Village School and told them the idea of holding a non-uniform day in the Walsall colours in memory of Spencer and they agreed to do it.

"I phoned two other schools in Pelsall and managed to get Ryders Hayes doing a non-uniform day on the same day and we've also got St Michaels who are having donation buckets.

"The money will be split to Spencer's family, the other to Pleck ABC boxing and we're going to educate our children in all three schools.

"We're hoping to get people in to tell children about the dangers of water. I'm really pleased with everything that's happened. The response of the community has been unbelievable."

The event is set to take place on July 7, where talks will be taking place in the schools' assembly.

Spencer died after swimming in Ryders Hayes Mere, Pelsall, with friends. His body was recovered from the water around an hour after the alarm was raised.

To donate to the fundraising page go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/carlton-gower