Fundraising appeal attracts donors as Liverpool gay teen is buried
A new fund in memory of Michael Causer has been established and more than £1,000 has already been raised.
18 year old Michael, from the Huyton area of Merseyside, was attacked on 25th July this year.
Despite brain surgery, he died in hospital on Saturday 2nd August.
Two men face murder charges.
James O’Connor and Gavin Alker, both 19 and from Huyton, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court in August and were bailed to appear on November 17th for a plea and case management hearing.
The judge set their trial date for January 2009.
Christopher Douglas, 19, also from Huyton, has been charged with witness intimidation in connection with the murder of Mr Causer.
A book of condolence was opened in Liverpool Town Hall the day before O’Connor and Alker appeared in court. The first signature was the city’s Lord Mayor.
The Liverpool Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network toured gay venues in the city last weekend to raise money for the new fund.
Michael’s funeral was delayed pending the results of pathology examinations.
He was buried in Whiston last week. His family will be consulted about the best way to use the money raised.
“We want to do anything we can to make Michael’s family’s lives a little easier,” Matthew Fox, development officer for the LGB&T Network, told the Liverpool Echo.
“The Causer family are devout Anglicans and their faith is helping them at this very difficult time.
“Myself and a counsellor will sit down with the family and ask what they would like to be done with the money in the fund.”
To make a donation, go to www.lcvs.org.uk.
