Widnes teens raise £9,000 in memory of friend and brain cancer battle

The friends of Bobby Spencer held an event at West Derby Golf Club and raised £9,000 for the Bobby Spencer Fund.

The fund is associated with The Brain Tumour Charity and brings the total raised in Bobby’s memory to more than £60,000.

The competition was organised by Jack Feeney and Ashton Houlihan, both 15 years old, as well as other friends.

Bobby’s brother, Freddie, was among the golfers who participated in the competition. His parents also attended the golfing event.

Amy, Ashton’s mother, said: “Ashton and some of his friends were in the same class as Bobby, who sadly passed away last year at the age of 14, just 11 months after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

“They wanted to do something in Bobby’s memory, and last year they ran around 12 miles from Wade Deacon High School to Liverpool Football Club at Anfield.”

“Ashton and Jack have been playing golf together since they were six years old.

“When Jack became junior captain of West Derby Golf Club, he and Ashton decided to host the club’s first junior charity golf day, just a few days after the anniversary of Bobby’s passing.

“I am really proud of what Ashton and his friends have started. The event raised just over £7,500, a club member made it up to £8,000, and then Jaguar Land Rover donated £1,000.

“Ashton and Jack were overwhelmed, but it was a fantastic day raising money to help research and treat this horrific disease. We want to raise £100,000 so that Bobby has a lasting legacy.”

Ashton met Bobby when they both began secondary school in September 2020.

He added: “Bobby knew I didn’t know many of the lads in our class and took the time to introduce me to the lads he knew, who continue to be my good friends to this day.

“He was hilarious and cheeky, always making us laugh. He was kind, caring and always happy – I never saw him without a smile on his face.

“He would never let anyone sit on their own and looked out for people.”