THE parents of a teenager who died with his best friend in a road accident have opened a new relatives’ room in Royal Bolton Hospital.

Jonathan Sharples and Daniel Harrison were killed when the Ford Ka they were travelling in struck a tree in Old Kiln Lane, Heaton, in 2007.

Both boys were sixth formers at Bolton School and aged 17.

Since Jonathan died, his parents David and Catherine Sharples, from Aspull, and his school friends have raised more than £30,000 in his memory.

The fund has been split between various charities, including Children’s Leukaemia, Brake Care Trust, Whizz Kids, Wishing on a Star and Sports Relief.

More than £9,000 has also gone to the accident and emergency department at the Royal Bolton Hospital, to pay for a defibrillator and for a second relatives’ room.

When they were told the devastating news that their son had not survived his injuries, the relatives’ room in the A&E department was already occupied, so Mr and Mrs Sharples were taken into a consultant’s room.

Since then, the couple have been determined to create a space for families in similar situations.

Mrs Sharples, aged 47, said: “They didn’t have anywhere else to take us at the time. We just think that if it happens to someone else, then this room could save someone from having to go through what we went through.

“We feel as though we are contributing something so that if somebody has to use the room, then at least it will be in a nicer, more peaceful environment.

“I think Jonathan would be proud—proud of us and proud of his friends.”

The relatives room, called The Sharples Room, is the second in the A&E department and contains a painting of Bolton School donated by the family.

It was officially opened by Mr and Mrs Sharples on Friday.

Dr Richard Parris, consultant in Emergency Medicine, said: “Sadly, Jonathan’s parents know only too well there are occasions when families need peace and time within the department and this room will provide that.

“It is particularly poignant as this opening comes not long after what would have been Jonathan’s 21st birthday and we are really grateful to his parents for formally opening this relatives’ room.”