Cycle shop and ‘devastated’ family friend raise cash to give teen a proper send off

A kind neighbour of a teenager who was stabbed to death is raising cash to help give him a “memorable send off.”

The man, who asked to remain anonymous, is auctioning a top-of-the-range bike to bring in money for the funeral of Alan Cartwright, who he had known from a newborn baby.

A local Bike shop donated the cycle, which is said to be worth £1,350, and with five days left on the auction hopes are high it will “bring in a few bob to help this family through this extremly difficult time”.

Alan Cartwright, 15, was knifed while cycling along Caledonian Road, with friends last month sparking a massive outpouring of grief across the whole borough.

The neighbour said: “This is a fund raising auction on behalf of the family of 15-year-old Alan Cartwright.

“This state of the art bike has been assembled by hand by a local bike shop owner and very generously donated, to be sold for whatever amount of money it makes,

to go towards the fund to give this young boy a decent memorable send off for which he thoroughly deserves.

“Any money, meaning 100 per cent, will go directly to the family of Alan to help them in providing a memorable funeral service.

“The bike itself really is beautiful.

He added: “I am a close neighbour of and personally knew Alan from his first day as a newborn baby.

“I watched him grow up and I have known his family for 20 years.

“I can quite honestly say I have never seen a family so devastated, and living with endless heartache, by a single incident before.

“Let’s see if we can raise a few bob to help this family through this extremely difficult time.

“Nothing in the world can bring Alan back, but we can help ease some of the anxiety this family are going through.

Bids on the bike have so far reached £560 - click here to see the auction.

A fundraising event will also be held tomorrow (Saturday) at Nailour Hall, in Blundell Street, Holloway, from 4 to 8pm, with live music, food, drink and children’s activities.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £1 for children and will go towards the family.

A teenager appeared at the Old Bailey charged with Alan’s murder on March 11.

Joshua Williams, 18, of Davenant Road, Upper Holloway, is also charged with conspiracy to rob in relation to the fatal stabbing.

A 17-year-old boy and two men aged 18 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of murder relating to the death and have been bailed until dates in April.