FRIENDS and family of Cory Nicholson, who died in a lake at Cotswold Water Park, are over halfway through their fundraising to build a memorial bench.
Kathryn Ross has launched the Gofundme appeal, which has already raised £1,050 to pay for a seat to be put in the recreation ground near Salisbury Road in Marlborough
She said: “We’re already at £1,050, which is great.”
“I think we have found someone to make it as it’s going to be personalised, which they’ve quoted several weeks. 
“The total cost will probably be about £1,800. So I’m going to have to up the target from £1,000. 
“It’s really thoughtful and kind that so many people have been able to contribute towards it, including some of his teachers, lots of his friends, colleagues and family. 
“Cory is greatly missed by many people. Cory grew up in and around Marlborough and over his 21 years he touched many people’s hearts. 
“To remember him we would like to place a bench in memory of him in one of his favourite places and where he grew up underneath a beautiful cherry tree. 
“We hope to create something really special and signifying his love of cars. The Rec is where many of the town’s young people hang out and we feel that he would approve of a bench sited there for other generations of young people to use.”
Mr Nicholson, who had loved cars since he was a boy and worked as a mechanic for Chippenham Motor Company, died on one of the hottest days of the year after going swimming.
At the time of his death he was living with his mother, Tracy, in Calne after growing up in Marlborough.
Days after his son’s death his father Paul had the courage to return to the scene of his son’s death to put up a placard with pictures in his memory.
His funeral was held on Thursday at North Wiltshire Crematorium in Royal Wootton Basset with a number of people driving in convoy from Marlborough to the crematorium.
After the funeral Ms Maycock thanked people on before of Cory’s dad saying: “Paul would like to thank everyone who attended Cory’s funeral. 
We had a fantastic day celebrating Cory’s life, a band played some of his favourite songs and the day was filled with the sharing of precious memories, something Cory would have loved. 
“Paul was overwhelmed with the enormity of friends, family, colleagues, even the fire service that came to say farewell. 
“Although Cory’s life has been cut short, he accomplished so much and touched the hearts of so many people and that is something we are and will always be extremely proud of.”
To support the bench appeal go to: /www.gofundme.com/bench-fundraiser-in-memory-of-cory-nicholson