A memorial weekend for a popular figure in the world of motorsport has helped to raise more than £25,000 for a national suicide prevention charity.
The family of Ashley Todd, of Cleator Moor, said they had been deeply touched by the generosity and want every penny to help to save lives.
They were devastated when Ashley, who was 42, took his own life in April.
His father, Myles said: “He had been passionate about karting from the age of nine. He’d built his own team and was well known locally and nationally.
“We knew the idea of having a memorial weekend at the Cumbria Kart Racing Club at Rowrah would be well supported but we had no idea the place would be absolutely packed with so many people wanting to pay tribute to Ashley.
“I suppose we’ll have to learn to live with it but we will never, ever forget him.”
The memorial weekend in October, which included an auction, donations and karting club contributions, raised £25,409 for the national charity Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide.
A cheque was collected on the charity’s behalf by Andy Airey, of Morland in the Eden Valley. Mr Airey, who is one of the 3 Dads Walking, lost his daughter Sophie to suicide in 2018.
“The money raised by Ashley’s memorial weekend will enable Papyrus to continue their vital work saving young lives across the UK. It’s all about encouraging people to talk openly and smash the stigma around suicide,
“The more we can get people taking about suicide and suicide prevention the more lives we will save,” he said.
Ashley was the owner of AMT Racing Ltd. Following his funeral, which was attended by around 800 people, his family asked for donations and £1,600 also went to Papyrus.
