Fundraiser to be held in memory of 'kind Bury teenager

Oliver Mawdsley died aged 17 on Thursday, February 8 after a concrete block fell on him not long after he started work at M60 Skip Hire on Tile Street.

His mum Sam Nield, 37, from Bury, has now arranged a family fun day at Hoyles Park on Huntley Mount Road on Saturday, July 27 to raise money for a bespoke headstone for Oliver.

She said: “We want to keep Oliver’s memory alive for as long as possible and bring the community together.

“He was such a kind and fun lad with lots of character.

“If he saw someone struggling with bags, he would not hesitate to help them or if someone was having a hard time, he would take them under his wing without question.

Oliver Mawdsley was a 'kind and fun lad with lots of character', his mum Sam Nield said (Image: Supplied)

Sam will be designing the new headstone with personal touches for Oliver’s memorial garden in Bury Cemetery.

Oliver was a keen boxer and spent time training at the Bury Defence Academy and Phoenix Health and Fitness Centre.

The former Tottington High School pupil was also a big fan of Manchester rapper and actor, Bugzy Malone.

Sam added: “I spend every waking day visiting Oliver’s memorial garden, as do his friends. It’s beautiful when it’s all lit up and we all miss him so much.

“He was so well-loved in our community and I hope we can get a good turnout at the event. It will be nice to be able to give something back."

Oliver's memorial garden in Bury Cemetery (Image: Supplied)

Oliver's memorial garden lit up at night (Image: Supplied)

Attendees at the family fun day, which has been arranged by Topping Fold Tenants and Residents Association, can enjoy food stalls, a bouncy castle, face painting, children’s entertainment and more.

Borough businesses have also kindly donated prizes for a raffle with tickets available to buy on the day.

The event is open to all and will take place from 11am to 5pm.