A FOUNDATION set up in honour of a teenager who was murdered at a house party is to be recognised at the Gay Times Awards.

Michael Causer, an 18-year-old hairdresser from Whiston, died in August 2009, eight days after he was found with a severe brain injury at a house in Huyton.

Michael, who was openly gay, died after being punched, kicked and stamped on at a house party in Huyton in 2008.

He was 5ft 6ins tall and weighed seven and a half stone.

Following his tragic death, his family launched the Michael Causer Foundation which aims to help eradicate hate crime across the country against homosexual people.

On the foundation';s Facebook page Michael's mum Marie explains its mission.

She said: “I want money people have donated in Michael’s memory to be used to help young people.

“These youngsters need somewhere to go where they feel safe and are surrounded by people who have gone through a similar experience.”

The foundation aims to help people aged 15 to 25.

I did not want a stone or a plaque to be put up in his memory. I wanted to do something worth doing and I am very lucky to have the support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community behind me," she added.

The foundation is set to receive the Gay Times Honour for Special Recognition.

The awards will take place on Thursday, November 8 at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, the first time they have been taken outside London.

Knowsley Cllr Jayne Aston, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for resources and member champion for equality and diversity, said: “It’s great news that the Gay Times has chosen the Liverpool City Region to hold this event.

“The awards will shine a spotlight on those people and organisations who have had a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ people and serve as a real inspiration to us all.”

The Michael Causer Foundation said: "It is great news that there will be recognition for Michael and the Causer family".