A Cumbrian farming family has paid tribute to their 15-year-old son and said they plan to raise money for a charity in his name.
Richard and Jess Pedley, of Barbon, Carnforth, will auction Will’s prize-winning gimmer lamb at Hawes auction mart on Monday September 15, in memory of their son Will.
He had gone missing on August 27 and he was found on August 28.
The money raised from the sale will go towards raising vital funds for national suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
Richard and Jess said they had 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 happening to others.
Will 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.
The teenager was always keen to help out on the family farm and especially loved his gimmer lambs which he helped looked after.
Richard said: “As a family we are completely heartbroken and shocked that 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.
“Papyrus is a charity dedicated to help 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.
“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.”
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 September 15 at Hawkes auction mart at Hawkes North Yorkshire.
A fundraising page has been set up in Will’s name with thousands of pounds raised so far. People can donate here: Tribute to William Pedley
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 17.
Papyrus operates Hopeline247. Advisers are on hand to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They also want to provide you with a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe.
It is for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide and children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Contact Hopeline247 for confidential support and practical advice.
- Email: [email protected]
- Call: 0800 068 4141
- Text: 88247
