'It’s no age for such a talented lad': Mother pays tribute after death of Telford boxer Dylan, 21
Tributes were today paid to a young champion boxer from Telford who has died at the age of 21.
Dylan Brassington was a Midlands Champion for his weight and was an active member of Wellington Boxing Academy.
His mother Liz Jones led tributes to a son she described as “helpful and caring”.
Dylan died on January 2. An inquest into the circumstances of his death is due to open at Shrewsbury Coroner’s Court on Wednesday.
His death has prompted a fundraising campaign by his friends to raise £5,000 to fund his funeral.
Ms Jones said he had lots of friends and thanked the generosity of the people who have donated so far.
“It’s no age for such a talented lad," she said,
Ms Jones added: “Dylan was a really nice young man. He was helpful, caring, a good brother. He lives on – he’s my baby. He would help anybody and was very popular with lots of friends.
“He was a fantastic boxer and won the Midlands Champion. Dylan started off as a kickboxer at the age of eight and then he went into boxing – he was just a natural.”
Dylan, a former pupil at Dawley C of E Primary and the Phoenix school, had two siblings, Kieran Brassington and Louise Jones. He had been taking time off work while he recovered from breaking both of his legs in a moped accident.
So far, just under £1,000 has been raised on a fundraising page in a matter of days and a host of fundraising events are being planned.
His mother added: “We can’t say how grateful I am for the donations. The support and generosity has been amazing – I’ve got no words for it. They’ve all come out for Dylan.
“Even his old primary school are doing a mufti day and selling raffle tickets so they can help and support. Wellington Boxing Academy are doing a 24 hour ‘punchathon’ called Boxing for Dylan next Friday.
“He’d be surprised and really pleased at how they’ve all rallied together to send him off. I’m overwhelmed by how much has been raised and everyone has contributed.”
Tributes poured in for the boxer across social media with more than 34 making donations online. The funeral is set to take place on February 5.
Former neighbour Paula Hobbs who set up the Just Giving page said: “I used to live close to them and I had seen what a hardworking mum Liz was.
“It’s taken a lot of persuading to help with fundraising. If it was up to her she would work like mad to pay for the funeral herself.
“Dylan holds a big place in many people’s hearts. The boxer Richie Woodall knew him well and will be at the funeral.”
Anyone who would like to donate can find his page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brittany-whelan
