Last updated at 16:47, Tuesday, 31 July 2012

A CHARITY night in memory of a Barrow teenager who died in a motorbike accident helped raise £1,000 for charity,

TRIBUTE: David and Jackie Took with their daughter, Becki, at the fundraiser in memory of Joseph Took

A fundraising disco took place at Preston Street Working Men’s Club, in Barrow on Saturday night.

The event was staged by the parents of Joe Took, who died when his motorbike collided with a wall in Abbey Road in February.

“Team Joe Took” has raised almost £5,000 since the 18-year-old’s death, holding a charity night at the Nines in April, as well as selling thousands of memorial wristbands.

The money has paid for a memorial bench and plaque at the crash site and a plinth for his graveside in Barrow cemetery.

A thousand pounds of that money has also been donated to six charities, including the Royal Air Force Association, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Macmillan Cancer Support, North West Air Ambulance, Fire Fighters Charity and St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston.

Joe’s father, David Took, said Saturday’s fundraising event was about the family giving back to the community, after the wonderful support they had received over the past few months.

He said: “We thought it was time to give back.

“The evening was for me and Jackie to thank the people that helped us.

“People gave so graciously to us so by raising this money we want to give something back.

“It is never going to bring Joe back but it is a beautiful tribute.

“We’re not going to leave it at that. We’re going to keep going and keep fundraising.”

Nancy Sinatra and Rambo made a special appearance at the fancy dress disco.

Almost 100 people attended the 60s, 70s and 80s theme night, which featured karaoke entertainment and a pie and pea supper.

First published at 16:21, Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk