A GOOD friend raised hundreds of pounds in a charity bungee jump yesterday in memory of a 15-year-old boy with epilepsy who died in his bed.
The mother of recently deceased Arron Smith watched as family friend Catherine Storey, 39, completed the jump.
Money raised will go towards paying for a graveside memorial to the popular youngster from Billingham, near Stockton, who had two sisters.
Mrs Storey raised £400 at a jump from a crane at the King Oswy pub, in King Oswy Drive, in Hartlepool yesterday, near where Billingham Campus School pupil Arron had been staying with his grandmother when he died.
Speaking before her jump, Mrs Storey said: "I am petrified, but it is worth it for Arron. He was such a lovely, lovely lad. We will have a raffle and a fun day at The Merlin pub in Billingham and everyone has been so generous."
Mrs Storey also released 15 balloons before her jump yesterday, one for each of Arron\rquote s years.
Arron's mother, Tracey Weatherill, 35, has spoken of her devastation at the death of her son.
Surrounded by friends and relatives at yesterday's event, she said: "It is just fantastic that this is being done for Arron. It shows just what a well-liked lad he was."
Mrs Storey's jump was one of about 60 charity jumps at the pub yesterday. Each jumper had to raise £40 for a charity, and it is thought about £15,000 was raised for charities that included Hartlepool Sea Cadets, cancer relief and a charity for blind people. The event was organised by Irene Groom, licensee of the King Oswy.
Arron's funeral will take place at St Aidan's Church, in Tintern Avenue, Billingham, at 10.45am tomorrow.
Arron, who died on August 23, had been on medication since he was diagnosed with epilepsy. He planned to become a firefighter and was brother to Alisha, five, and Chelsea, nine.
A fancy dress day and raffle will take place at The Merlin pub, in Billingham, on Sunday, from 3pm to 7pm to raise money for the memorial. Prizes include meals for two, a ride in a stretch limo, a tour of Manchester United's Old Trafford football ground and tickets to watch Hartlepool United football team.
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