AN ATHLETIC teenager has been the first beneficiary of a fund set up in memory of a young Bromsgrove sportsman.

Hockey player and middle distance runner Lora Symonds, of Upton Warren, has received a pair of top-of-the-range super light spikes after she applied to the Stuart Thompson Memorial Fund for a grant.

The fund was started when Stuart died after an allergic reaction to an anaesthetic during a routine operation two years ago. The father-of-two was 28 at the time.

Stuart's family set up the fund to provide financial assistance to young sports people. And Lora is now the first to benefit.

She wants to represent England in the 800m race at the Commonwealth Games and then at the Olympics. Lora is currently in the top 10 of her age group in the country for 800m.

Bromsgrove Sports, of Church Street, also contributed to the cost of the new running shoes, which cost about £85.

The Stuart Thompson Memorial Fund is holding a charity football tournament and family fun day in August at South Bromsgrove High.

There will be facilities for stallholders and pitches are still available. If you would like to put on a stall write to the address below.

If you are interested in applying for a grant send a stamped addressed envelope to the Stuart Thompson Memorial Fund, PO BOX 6162, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 7BR.