Foundation set up in memory of teenager who died in crash

Toby Crowther Barraclough, 18, was taken to hospital and sadly passed away on November 12 - nearly a month after the car he was a passenger in collided with a wall in Shelf. 

Now, Toby's family has set up The Tobias Crowther Foundation in his memory to raise vital funds for various different charities. 

They have also revealed Toby's wish of organ donation has been fulfilled - and he has helped to save other people's lives. 

In a statement, Toby's family said: "Toby was handsome, funny, cheeky and very loved by everyone who knew him. 

"He was fiercely loyal and loved his family and friends. 

"He worked hard but he played harder, enjoying raves, festivals and holidays. 

"There was always a Toby tale.

"Toby's mum, dad, older brother Luke and younger sister Ruby are left heartbroken, as are many of Toby's extended family and friends.

"Toby's family did not want his untimely passing to be in vain and Toby's wishes of organ donation were fulfilled, and lives of others were saved from this very brave decision.

"As a tribute to Toby, The Tobias Crowther Foundation was born and a series of events will take place to raise vital funds for various charities."

Tributes left at the scene after the crash (Image: Newsquest)

This year will see the foundation supporting the Leeds General Infirmary Neuro Intensive Care Unit, the Alzheimer's Society, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and SCARD (Support and Care After Road Death and Injury).

A number of fundraising events have so far been confirmed for the coming months, including The Yorkshire Three Peaks on April 27, Total Warrior and Junior Warrior on June 23, a firewalk on July 28, The Tobias Crowther Open Golf Day on September 6 and The Tobias Crowther Annual Ball on November 9.

'The outpouring of grief has been immense'

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Toby's dad Glenn said: "We're hoping to raise a good amount of money to split between the charities - they're all dear to our hearts in one way or another. 

"The foundation will be ongoing as a way for Toby's memory to live on and help others. 

"It's also helping us as we navigate our grief after losing Toby.

"We'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone for their support and their generous donations so far."

Toby was much-loved (Image: West Yorkshire Police + Newsquest)

Glenn said Toby had ticked the organ donation box on his driving licence application form.

He added: "From a devastating scenario, he has helped other people by passing some of his organs on."

Glenn described his son as a "wonderful" and "popular" young man.

"The outpouring of grief has been immense," he added.

"His death has affected so many people.

"He'll always be remembered and he'll never be forgotten."

For more information about The Tobias Crowther Foundation, visit thetobiascrowtherfoundation.co.uk

People can also support the foundation by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/the-tobias-crowther-foundation

'You couldn't wish to meet a nicer lad'

The tragic crash happened on Brow Lane, Shelf, on the evening of October 20 when a white Seat Ibiza collided with a wall.  

The driver, 19-year-old Joe Walsh, died at the scene. 

Toby was a passenger. Four other passengers who were in the vehicle at the time were treated for injuries.  

In a statement released after his death, Toby's family said: "Toby was a fun-loving, energetic, fiercely competitive sporty young man.

"He was loved by so many people and his family will miss him so much. 

"He would, however, want everybody close to him to live their lives to the full, with him in their hearts."

Many more tributes flooded in for Toby.

West Bowling A.R.L.F.C said on Facebook that Toby was a junior at the rugby league club, adding that he was "loved by his teammates, family and friends" and his "memory will always continue to shine".

Emotional tributes were paid after the tragedy (Image: Newsquest)

Toby's employer Horton & Armitage Limited described him as "our rising apprentice".

"He will be duly missed by all of the team here as he played a massive part in our business, especially keeping everybody upbeat with his cheeky humour," the company added in a statement.

Clifton Rangers YFC, the football club Toby played for across three seasons, also paid tribute. 

Former coach James Blamires said: "You couldn't wish to meet a nicer lad."