The family of a popular Shaw teenager who died suddenly while competing in a cross-country run are ensuring that his memory lives on. 

It was in March last year that 15-year-old Ashley Livesey died while running in Stockport.  His family are still waiting for an inquest to resolve the mystery of the Royston and Crompton School pupil’s death. 

However, while tragedies can pull some families apart, the Livesey’s have pulled together and found a new purpose – ensuring that Ashley’s name lives on. 

Parents Julie and Gary, sisters Lucy and Michelle and other family members and friends have thrown themselves into fundraising for two charities: SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) and CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).  

The activities they have undertaken have included everything from cycle rides to parachute jumps. 

On Friday a benefit night was held at Shaw Masonic Hall, Kershaw Street, in a bid to further boost the charity funds and give everyone who knew Ashley a chance to come together and remember him. 

Ashley’s mum Julie, of Avon Road, said trying to raise money for and awareness of the charities had given the family a focus since her son’s death. 

She said: “It has been very difficult, but we have tried to keep busy and do our bit to help. 

“Ashley was a young, fit, healthy boy and a marvellous lad.  We still don’t know why he died and there hasn’t been an inquest yet. 

“We have received help from SADS and CRY who told us there are at least eight sudden deaths of people aged 11 to 35 every week in the UK.  These charities have helped families who have been affected and also want to provide screening services, which people currently have to pay for.”