Farming family help to raise money for charity in memory of beloved teenage son
The money raised from the sale of a lamb will go towards raising vital funds for national suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
A Cumbrian farming family has given an emotional tribute to their popular and loving son William Pedley and spoken of their plans to raise money for a charity in his name.
Husband and wife Richard and Jess Pedley of Barbon, Carnforth will be auctioning Will’s prize-winning gimmer lamb at Hawes auction mart on Monday 15 September in memory of their teenage son.
The money raised from the sale will go towards raising vital funds for national suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
Richard and Jess 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 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 Kirby 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 15 September 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 Tribute to William Pedley