The family and friends of a young man who lost his life in a car crash have raised £17,450 for charity.
A charity black tie ball and 5k run were held on September 7 and 8 when Aaron Bell should have been celebrating his 21st birthday.
Aaron, from Jervaulx, died along with two friends in a collision between Bedale and Masham in July 2022. Aaron was just 18 when he died.
The fundraising was organised by Aaron’s mum Nicola Bell-Percy.
The money raised from the fundraising will be shared between the road safety charity Brake and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service.
Small donations will also be made to Wensleydale RUFC and North Stainley Cricket Club, whose junior and senior teams Aaron played for.
Thanking everyone who helped raise the money, Nicola said: “We miss Aaron beyond words.
“There was smiles, laughter, tears shed, but precious memories made and Aaron was honoured and remembered in the best possible way.
“Aarons’s 21st celebration and fundraiser has showed us just how many lives he had touched.
“Aaron you have left a legacy of determination and a love of life which will inspire us all and give us the strength to carry on.
“Your love and kindness, your smile and infectious laugh will stay with us forever. We will keep your memory alive and I hope we did you proud buddy.”
Nicola said the weekend was also about raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and reckless driving, and about urging the government to to make changes to keep young people safer.
The mum is supporting Brake’s calls for a graduated driving licence to be introduced, which would limit the power of cars being driven by new drivers.
She said in her speech at the ball: “Our message tonight in memory of Aaron is speeding and driving recklessly can cause the most unimaginable pain that we wouldn’t want anyone else to feel.
“Please keep constantly reminding your youngsters, even if they have a winge back at you that a car can be a dangerous weapon if used in the wrong way, slow down and think of the consequences.
“Aaron made a few mistakes in his life, like we all do, but generally he learnt from them, Aaron that night made the biggest mistake of his life by getting in that car and now doesn’t have the chance to learn from it, so all youngsters out there please think before getting in a car and please if you feel unsafe have the confidence to get out.
“It’s easier to worry about how to get home than not to get home at all.”
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