Papyrus charity presented with cheque for over £12,000 by the family of Ben Fitchett

Papyrus charity presented with cheque for over £12,000 by the family of Ben Fitchett

The Papyrus charity, a charity dedicated to raising the awareness of young suicide has been presented with a cheque for over £12,000 from the family and friends of teenager Ben Fitchett.

Following Ben’s death last August, his family, friends and members of his scout group took part in the Hope Walk in October to raise the bulk of the funds.

At a service in memory of 14-year-old Ben, held on Sunday 12 January, the charity was presented with the cheque for the grand total of £12,500.

Ged Flynn, Papyrus chief executive told the congregation: “Through your brave efforts you have helped us to raise awareness and extend our work with young people and the community, encouraging them to talk about mental wellbeing and above all to seek help when they feel they are not coping. There is no doubt that you have helped us to save future young lives.”

Ben’s mum, Sarah Fitchett added: “The service was an amazing demonstration of a community coming together in the event of a family
tragedy to hold a successful fundraising event. By raising this amount of money and an awareness of the Papyrus Charity we aim to give 'hope' back to other families.”

The main bulk of fundraising for the charity came from the 20 mile Hope Walk which saw walkers cover 1,225 miles but other activities have included donations in lieu of Christmas and birthday cards and gifts, carol singing and cake and wristband sales.

Claire Eckersley presented the charity with £311.33, which she collected instead of receiving presents at her birthday celebrations. Ben’s dad, Peter also made a presentation on behalf of musical friends who held a carol singing event at Java in Uppermill.

During the service, Peter Joy, Assistant District Commissioner for Crompton and Royton Scouts was awarded for contributions to Scouting and organising and planning the walk in memory of Ben. The award was given for outstanding service normally over a period of not less than 15 years.

The Papyrus charity was founded in 1997 by a group of parents who had lost their children to suicide. Papyrus offers hope where there is hopelessness. It has a big agenda and relies almost entirely on donations and its fundraisers.