THE parents of a teenager who died in a car crash have raised £15,000 for Cambridgeshire fire fighters to say thankyou for trying to save their son’s life five years ago.
Tim West and Sheena McClelland presented a cheque to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in recognition of what they did to try and save the life of their son Lewis West.
Since 17-year-old Lewis died in July 2008, the couple have raised almost £30,000 for charity by holding annual golf days in his memory.
The popular teenager died instantly when his black Vauxhall Corsa left St Mary’s Road and collided with a derelict house before bursting into flames.
Firefighters from Ramsey managed to release the teenager from the vehicle but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Since the accident, nearly 60,000 people have visited an online memorial site, GoneTooSoon, set up to keep the memory alive of the former Abbey College student.
Mr West said: “On the day of the accident the firefighters did everything they could to try and save our son and showed so much compassion. Lewis knew some of them from Ramsey Fire Station as well and we just felt we needed to do something.
“Lewis was a massive member of the community and is very sadly missed.
“Another young girl recently lost of her life in an accident so it is very raw for the town again. We get a huge amount of support from the community at our fundraising events.
“Each year the golf day gets bigger; so many people want to play and enjoy the evening just so they can remember Lewis and we’re so thankful for their support.”
The £15,000 has been raised at the past two annual golf days, a sponsored golfing event and through donations.
Tim is also looking to arrange a parachute jump soon.
Chief Fire Officer Graham Stagg added: “The way Tim and Sheena have continued to support The Fire Fighters Charity for the past five years, despite what they have gone through, is inspirational.
“Tim, Sheena, and the local community have made sure Lewis’ memory still lives on through these fundraising events, while at the same time raising an incredible amount of money for such a valuable charity.
“We are extremely humbled that the family continue to support the fire service community as a whole following their tragic loss.”
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