THE family of a teenager who was brutally murdered are raising money for a memorial bench for her in Bolton.

Bolton-born Sasha was killed aged only 16 by hotel owner David Minto in Blackpool in January, 2013.

The second Sasha Marsden Memorial Rounders’ Tournament was held at Bolton Cricket Club and organised by the teenager’s aunt Dawn Lowe.

Sasha’s friends in Blackpool, parents Gary and Jane, and relatives in Bolton supported the day, which raised about £700.

It will be spent on a stone memorial bench at the Green Lane club so Sasha’s Bolton loved ones have somewhere they can go to remember her.

Previously, the thousands of pounds raised by the family have been put towards the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) centre in Preston, a service used by Sasha before her death.

Sasha’s mum Mrs Marsden said: “We still raised a fantastic amount.

“This is about keeping Sasha’s memory alive.

“A lot of family who are still in Bolton cannot always get to the cemetery in Blackpool so it will give them somewhere to come and think about her.”

The tournament was won by a team of male rounders referees who officiate in the Bolton league, and it was followed by a barbecue, with other fun activities, including face-painting.

Any spare cash after the bench has been installed will go to the SAFE Centre, which provides forensic examinations, counselling and comprehensive support services for anyone who has a complaint of rape or sexual assault.

Other fundraisers organised by Sasha’s family since her death include a sky-dive, decathlon, blind darts match and a special event held in January this year to commemorate the first anniversary of Sasha’s death.

Minto, aged 23, was jailed for a minimum of 35 years when he was found guilty of Sasha’s murder in July last year.

The killer failed in February in a Court of Appeal challenge to have his sentence cut.