The parents of Cumbrian teenager William Pedley have paid tribute to their ‘beloved' son, revealing plans to raise charity funds in his name.
Memory
Richard and Jess Pedley, who run a livestock farm in Barbon, Carnforth, will be auctioning their son's prize-winning gimmer lamb at Hawes auction mart on Monday, September 15, in memory of him.
The money raised from the sale will go towards raising vital cash for the national suicide prevention charity, Papyrus.
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Mr and Mrs Pedley said they have been overwhelmed with the support from the farming and local community and want to raise as much awareness and funds to help prevent their family tragedy from happening to others.
William, aged 15, was a popular figure in the community, and the family described him as a ‘caring and loving son'.
They said he was a great rugby player, playing for Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club and also a member of his Young Farmers club.
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loved his gimmer lambs, which he helped look after.
Heartbroken
Mr Pedley said: "As a family, we are completely heartbroken and shocked our beloved Will has gone.
"We want to do all we can by selling his prize-winning lamb to help raise as much money for the charity in Will's name.
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"Papyrus is a charity dedicated to helping young people. We want young people to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone struggling and to be able to support each other by feeling able to start a conversation."
Ged Flynn, chief executive of Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide, said: "Our thoughts are with William's family and friends.
Struggling
"Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK and we believe many of those can be prevented.
"Money raised in memory of William will help us to give hope to young people who are struggling with life."
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NFU North regional director David Hall said: "Our thoughts are with Richard and Jess and all of Will's family and friends at this heartbreaking time.
"As a farming community, we have felt the family's loss and will be supporting them in any way we can through this tragic time and hope the sale raises as much money as possible for this vital charity."
The lamb auction will take place on Monday, 15 September at Hawes Auction Mart at Hawes, North Yorkshire.
If you are in need of support, please contact:
- RABI: 0800 188 4444
- FCN: 03000 111 999
- RSABI: 0300 111 4166
- Addington Fund: 01926 620 135
- Samaritans: 116 123
- You Are Not Alone: 0300 323 0400
- NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (Available 24/7)
- If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
