Martyn Lynch raises £7,000 in his hat for funeral costs of Rafael Pizarro

Martyn Lynch with his fundraising hat

Martyn Lynch has raised £7,000 for the family of Rafael Pizarro, the 13-year-old who died after falling into Rochdale Canal.

He said that the funds, all collected in his hat which he takes around with him, will be given to the family to go towards the cost of Rafael's funeral.

Mr Lynch, a Middleton doorman who also works as a boxing coach, has worked alongside Rafael’s friends and classmates from St Anne’s Academy, who said they wanted to do something to help his family.

He decided he would go out into the community and collect donations in person as a way of showing his dedication to fundraising.

He said: “I always like to get involved in charity work and have raised thousands in the past, but this was quite a special one. The kids actually approached me and asked me if I could help, so I promised them I would do all I could.

“The donations blew me away, £7,000 in a few weeks is unbelievable. Thanks to everyone who donated, I’m proud of how much was raised.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/103547/the-family-of-13yearold-rafael-pizarro-who-died-after-falling-into-a-canal-in-middleton-have-paid-tribute-to-him