A friend of a tragic young man, who died from septicaemia at the age of 20, is organising a big fundraising event to pay for a gravestone.

Callous wreckers attacked the grave of Dean Jeffreys at Bowling Cemetery, snapping a wooden cross in two, and stealing flowers and letters and gifts from friends.

Dean’s mother, Pamela, was left heartbroken by the mindless attack.

But now Sean Abbott, a close friend of Dean, has stepped in to organise an all-day fundraising event at the Bradford pub where they used to drink together.

The fun event will take place at the Old Vic pub in Holme Lane on Sunday, August 26. It is planned to have a nominal £2 entrance fee, with customers paying to take part in various events being organised. All proceeds will go towards paying for the gravestone, with anything over to be given to charity.

Mr Abbott, 20, has written to companies in the Bradford district, explaining what had happened to Dean and the damage to his grave, and asking for donations. He is also seeking people to donate their services at the event.

He said: “Dean was a good friend. We used to play football and go out every weekend. He was courageous, had great motivation, and not one person had a bad word about him.

“I felt sick when I heard his grave had been damaged. It’s horrible to think people would be willing to trash someone’s grave.

“His death was an awful shock and I want to help give him a final resting place.”

Dean died 15 months ago after being diagnosed at Bradford Royal Infirmary with aplastic anaemia. He needed a bone marrow transplant but contracted septicaemia from which he died.

Mr Abbott, who is being helped in the fundraising event by another friend Leigh Anne Shorrocks, has organised a free DJ and is hoping businesses and sports clubs will donate items to raffle. He is also hoping to find face painters and bouncy castle operators to give their services for free. Dean’s mum and Leigh Anne’s mother are to provide food.

Dean’s mother said: “It’s lovely of him to try to help.”

Anyone who can offer their services, or wishes to attend the event, can contact Mr Abbott on 07880 705132, or Miss Shorrocks on 07714 616316.

Anyone with information about the damage should call Bowling, Barkerend and Bradford Moor police on 101.