Barrow man's vow to keep fundraising in memory of friend Joe Took
Last updated at 15:01, Tuesday, 23 October 2012
THE best friend of a teenager killed in a motorbike crash has vowed to carry on fundraising in his memory.
- Related article: Barrow memorial taunts ‘rip father’s heart out’
Nathan Goligy is hoping to carry on the fundraising efforts of ‘Team Joe Took’ – the group formed after the death of the popular 18-year-old from Walney.
Joe’s father David Took announced last week he has decided to step down from fundraising activities after a row over his son’s memorial, in Abbey Road.
Responding to comments on social networking websites, Mr Took said it felt like his ‘heart had been ripped out’ after references to the memorial looking like a grave.
But Mr Goligy, 18, a former St Bernard’s Catholic High School pupil with Joe, said he would keep up the group’s fundraising efforts – with the blessing of Mr Took.
He said: “I find it very insulting that people can say that about a memorial.
“We spent a lot of time and effort fundraising for it so we wanted it to look as good as it could.
“I believe it’s perfectly appropriate and don’t see anything wrong with it at all.
“I don’t think it should be small and hidden away. It should be seen. To me, the people who have complained are just petty.
“David is still in mourning but this has had a massive knock-on effect. We were raising money for local charities and trying to help out in the community, thinking of Joe while doing so. I want to carry on doing the fundraising because we’re still helping out other charities.
“It’s something I need to talk to David about really because he’s the main man in it all and I don’t want to upset him.
“If it’s fine by David, then I’ll carry on fundraising.”
Mr Goligy took to the Evening Mail’s Facebook page to express his upset at the memorial’s detractors.
His comments attracted more than 450 ‘likes’ and prompted a host of supportive messages for both Mr Took and the memorial.
He added: “It reassures me that people agree with me.
“Everyone says it’s lovely but others say it’s a distraction.
“I never thought anyone would criticise it.
“It was supposed to be a nice gesture for Joe, I just can’t believe anyone would try and bring it down.
“If it was their best friend then they wouldn’t complain about it.”
Joe died in a motorbike crash in February.
His family recently unveiled the plaque at the spot where he died in Abbey Road, above his memorial bench.
First published at 16:20, Monday, 22 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
We should all stop using facebook and twitter to air comments. There are so many nasty people out there just waiting for opportunities to hurt People.
Joes, family and friends have all worked so hard in their funsdraising events. Do not let these people destroy what your passionate about, and what has got you through the last 7 months. You are doing the fundraising for Joe, and a fantastic job you are doing. I do not know you, But David, do not look at facebook or twitter anymore, it is just causing you so mush pain.View all 3 comments on this article
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i drove past the memorial this morning and to be honest it looks good now the border has been taken away , i didnt know joe but i think his family should keep fundraising in memory of him , theres always going to be criticism about things like that , but it blends in now with the surrounding area , all the best for the future in what you and joes family decide to do ,
Posted by anon on 23 October 2012 at 16:42