Death of a 17-year-old boy inspired family to donate to drug awareness program
The death of 17-year-old Matthew Dear became an inspiration to his family to donate a £3,000 worth of cheque to 2Smart Road show, a campaign that encourages the youth to stay away from drugs and crime.
Matthew’s parents, Chris and Tina Dear, along with other family members and friends raised the money by doing a walk along the seafront.
According to his grandmother, Sheila Dear, they never expected to get that much and that money just continued to pour in.
The money was presented during the annual Stay Safe event held in Southchurch Park. His family wore T-shirts with Matthew’s picture during the event.
Matthew was remembered by family and friends as a caring young man who wanted all his life to join the steroid.
He took steroids, unknown to his family as preparation for the physically demanding selection test for the Marines, which was to take place three months before his tragic death.
Three people were linked to his death; a 17-year-old boy, a 21-year old man from Westcliff, Essex, and a 24-year-old man from Leigh, Essex. The three have been arrested for a suspected case of supplying controlled substances.
From Echo News:
THE grieving parents of tragic teenager Matthew Dear donated money raised in his memory to a drugs awareness programme.
Chris and Tina Dear presented the 2Smart Road show with a cheque for more than £3,000.
