A MUM who lost her son in a tragic car crash has taken her first steps in making sure his name “lives on forever” after accepting a donation to the foundation set up in his name.

Rachel Edwards accepted a cheque for �210 from staff at The Juice Project, led by manager Katy Patrick, following a successful open mic night two weeks ago.

But it was not so much the money that was important – but what the donation means.

Mrs Edward’s son, Jack Brennan, died when the car they were travelling in crashed into a water-filled ditch in Lincolnshire in August this year.

Following the accident, teenagers, friends and family across the Dunmow area paid widespread tributes to the 16-year-old former Helena Romanes pupil.

And now his mum, who this week also gave birth to a baby boy, wants to continue the work her son once did at the town’s skatepark.

“He used to do a lot down there,” said Mrs Edwards. “He helped younger children with their skating and also wanted to see more ramps and jumps added.

“After his death we wanted to celebrate his life and make his name carry on forever. We thought the best way was to set up a foundation to raise money and carry on improving the skatepark and other facilities for teenagers and children.”

Jack’s family have launched the Half Pipe Dreams Foundation and the donation from the Juice Project’s fundraiser is the first that will be used in the teen’s name.

Mrs Patrick said: “Many local people came and gave their time and musical talent for free, creating a memorable evening attended by all different age groups.

“Peter Noble kindly brought his sound equipment and PA and ran the sound desk for a wide range of musical styles.

“As a result of donations and the evening’s takings, �210 was raised to go towards improving facilities and activities for children and young people in and around Great Dunmow.”

During the event, established groups Aliceband and The Brazenhead were joined by newcomers After Hours to perform a mixture of covers and their own material and they all impressed the audience.

They were joined by friends of the juice project who preformed acoustic numbers and also free-styled on guitar.

An emotional performance of Coldplay’s Fix You, which was played for over 300 people at Jack’s funeral in St Mary’s Church, was contributed by his friends Tom, James, Sean and Dan.

Anyone who would like to know more about the foundation, or make a contribution, can get in touch with Mrs Edwards via The Juice Project in Market Place.

There will now be more open mic nights every first Tuesday of the month.

If anyone is interested in performing at future events, contact Stuart at monk-j@sky.com or call 01371 875567.