A fishing match in memory of a man who took his own life raised hundreds of pounds for a national charity that works to prevent young suicide.
It was the second year of the Ricky Rodwell memorial fishing match which saw 28 people take part with a total catch weight of 810lb.
Ricky’s cousin Jo Satt said: “This year we have raised £1,436 so far with the fisherman’s sponsors and the raffle with more sponsorships to collect.
“Adding that to last year’s total means so far this year we have raised a staggering £3,203 for the charity Papyrus UK in Ricky’s memory, which we are so very proud of.
“The day was a huge success and we raised a huge amount for our cause, that we made it an annual event and a winners cup was purchased to pass along to winners throughout the year.”
The match was held around the anniversary of Ricky’s death to ensure it was a memorial match.
Held at Kingsland Fishery in Coates the event had a lengthy reserve list of people who wanted to take part.
“We managed to secure enough prize donations for each fisherman, so no one went away empty handed, with enough spare for a raffle on the day,” Jo said.
“Many local businesses were very kind and we even had individuals approach us with prizes for the day.
“The day was beautiful, Ricky certainly brought the sun out for us.
“The winner of the match was James Phoenix, Ricky’s cousin, which made it extra special that the winners cup would go to a family member for its second year.”
Ottilie Scanlon, PAPYRUS fundraising assistant said: “This is an amazing effort by this family and their friends, helping us to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented and to reach out to more young people.
“We need to talk about young suicide to smash the stigma that surrounds it. Only then will young people who are not coping feel it is OK to seek help.”
• 1st James Phoenix 101lbs 4oz; 2nd Robert Smith 92lbs 4oz; 3rd Dan Simper 58lbs 12oz; 4th Neil Turner 58lbs 4oz; 5th Rob Satt 54lb 4oz.
• Papyrus UK said that in 2014 four people a day under the age of 35 died by suicide.
The charity draws from the experience of many who have been touched personally by young suicide across the UK and speak on their behalf in campaigns and its endeavours to save young lives.
“Together we believe that with appropriate support and education, many young suicides can be prevented,” they said.
• Papyrus National Confidential Helpline. If you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide Call Hopeline UK. on Mon-Fri 10am to 10pm or weekends 2pm to 10pm and Bank Holidays 2pm to 5pm
For more information visit Papyrus UK
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here