A BEREAVED mum is determined to create a lasting memorial to her teenage son.

Fifteen-year-old Connor Maddocks died when the bicycle he was riding collided with a lorry close to Bargain Booze on Princes Road, Ellesmere Port, on August 16 last year.

Connor, a pupil of University Church of England Academy’s North campus on Woodchurch Lane, fought for his life for nearly seven hours but died that night at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

His parents Tammy and Darren Maddocks, and siblings Tyler, Chloe and Elli now want to raise cash to pay for a memorial bench in Overpool Cemetery, where he was laid to rest.

An auction is planned for June 22 at St Saviours Club, at 7pm, to raise the £1,200 needed to pay for the bench.

Charity auctioneer Johnny Mac will preside over the raffle and local singer Meg Bevan will perform. There will be items from Everton and Liverpool football clubs, including a shirt signed by Jamie Carragher.

The family have found an unlikely supporter in notorious caged criminal Charles Bronson, who is serving a sentence for robbery, kidnapping and blackmail.

Mrs Maddocks, 31, of Rivacre, said: “I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I’ve been contacting all the local businesses and football clubs for the raffle, and even Charlie Bronson.

“My son loved Charlie Bronson.

“He wrote a letter back. He’s getting his brother to bring me a signed book, a T-shirt and artwork in person.

“It’s always the bad stuff that gets said about him. He’s been lovely.”

Construction student Connor was a keen on riding his motobike and playing basketball.

The University Church of England Academy is organising its own event in tribute to Connor.

Mrs Maddocks added: “The school have been lovely. They’ve helped me a lot. He was a really popular boy, he was lovely.

“I would like everyone to come and have a great time in memory of my son who was such an amazing lad who we miss dearly.”