FRIENDS of a 27-year-old man who fell to his death down a lift shaft are staging a special fundraiser in his honour.

Craig Jones, who died on August 30 in Marsden House in Bolton town centre, doted on four-year-old nephew Tyler and one-year-old niece Hannah.

A group of his closest mates are now raising money to put in a trust for the two little ones — so they will have a present from their Uncle Craig on their 18th birthday.

‘Pugsley’s Family Fun Day’, named in reference to Craig’s nickname, is at The Brooklyn pub in Great Lever on October 19.

The event will be attended by special guest, boxer Carl Thompson, and will also feature a raffle, a penalty shootout, a bouncy castle and music

Daniel Berry, aged 24, who is organising the day, first met Craig 12 years ago at a friend’s house when both were at school and said he had become his “best mate”.

Mr Berry, from Great Lever, said: “If I can put a smile on their faces one more time, I will be pleased.

“Pugsley absolutely loved his niece and nephew so I feel this is my responsibility.”

In tribute to Craig, Mr Berry added: “All he ever did was make people smile. It was really only the beginning for him.

“He was so looking forward to all he was going to achieve it is just such a shame that this has happened.

“I was there outside with all his closest friends praying for him to pull through.

“It will be a privilege to do something like this for him.

Craig worked as a plasterer with father Bernard, who said: “It is absolutely fantastic and I’m overwhelmed by the support really.

“They have put this together off their own back and it is brilliant.

“Craig talked about his niece and nephew all the time and called every day to see how they were getting on.

“It is unbelievable how many people are getting involved with the day — it is going to be massive.”

The fun day starts at 1pm the Green Lane pub.