THE life of a much-missed Wirral teenager killed in a road traffic collision has been celebrated with the unveiling of a memorial bench.
Kieran Reeves, 17, died from multiple injuries after his Motorbike collided with a taxi on Allport Road at its junction with Bridle Road in Bromborough in the early hours of September 13 last year.
Tonight more than 30 of his friends joined family members for the unveiling of a memorial bench near the site of the tragedy.
It bears a plaque that reads Kieran Reeves (Kiwi) 21.10.1997 - 13.9.2015 'We sit here everyday to know that you’re not far away'
Kieran's mum Mandy (front, fourth from left) surrounded by his friends after tonight's unveiling. Pictures: Craig Manning
Addressing them before the unveiling, Kieran’s mother Mandy said: “This bench is for you guys.
“A place for you to come and remember and laugh about Kieran’s antics - I’m learning more about him everyday.”
Mandy Reeves on the bench in memory of son Kieran
Among friends at the unveiling were Lewis Gleason, Phil Mohan, Connor Hughes, Ross Mitchell, Jay Johnston, Sean Davies and Coner Shaw.
They carried Kieran’s coffin on the day of his funeral and described him as a ‘legend’.
They are planning an annual walk up Moel Famau in North Wales to raise funds for Claire House.
Paying tribute to them, Mandy added: “I lost Kieran last September, but through his loss I gained seven lads that hold me up.
“I learnt to accept people for what and who they are, especially the youth.
"Kieran will be gutted that he’s not here to hear that.
“We have an impression about youth that sometimes gives the wrong impression.
“We need to look beyond the hoodie.”
Floral tribute and plaque on the bench that was unveiled tonight
His friends had raised £1,510 for the bench, plaque and pathway.
Liberal Democrat ward councillors Dave Mitchell, Chris Carubia and Phil Gilchrist managed to secure the same amount through the community fund.
So Kieran’s friends decided to donate the money they had raised to Claire House and handed it over to representatives from the charity after tonight’s unveiling.
Kieran's mum Mandy with some of his friends after tonight's unveiling
Councillor Chris Carubia told the Globe: “They say community spirit has gone, but as Kieran’s friends, family and everyone here have shown tonight, this is not the case.
“There is such a depth of feeling about what happened and the community has really pulled together.
“The lads have been fantastic”.
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