A mother from Ysbyty Ystwyth is commemorating the 23rd birthday of her son, who she lost to suicide three years ago, by raising money for a charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

Linda Collins, 55, has dyed her hair blue and purple, the colours of PAPYRUS, after losing her son, Thomas Evans, to suicide.

Linda dyed her hair on 1 April, to commemorate what would have been Thomas’ 23 birthday on 8 April.

Linda wants to “raise awareness of the aftermath suicide leaves” but also to fundraise for PAPYRUS, a charity that “believes many young suicides can be prevented”.

Linda spent round seven hours in Loganberries hair and beauty salon, in Aberystwyth, where hairdresser Brioney Hancock came in on her day off to dye Linda’s hair.

On the challenge, Linda said: “It’s just a bit of a shock for somebody who has always had brown hair going grey. I keep forgetting about it.

“I would like to say a special thanks to Brioney because she was amazing.

“I was there from 9.30am and it took until 4.30pm, Brioney was on her feet the whole time. Fair play to her.”

PAPYRUS holds a special place in Linda’s heart after she lost her son to suicide three years ago when he was just 19.

“He would be 23 on 8 April, but in my eyes he is still 19. He’ll forever be 19. This time of year is horrendous.

“I think there are so many students and young people who are struggling, PAPYRUS are for under 25s who are struggling. They are amazing.”

So far, Linda has raised £320 of her £400 target for PAPYRUS.

“Somebody anonymous donated £100 yesterday, maybe they’ve got somebody struggling – you just don’t know.

“I did the sky dive previously and raised nearly £3,000, that as a huge deal. This seems a bit smaller, but its just to commemorate Thomas’ birthday and its for me.

“I still like to think, Thomas helped so many people and so now he is still helping. That’s the way I get through.”

She added: “Thomas (Timmy) was the happiest kindest person in the world and we want to keep his memory alive, so that he lives on and can continue to help people now, as he did throughout his life.

“Thank you to special friends and family for all the love and support through the last years.”

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email [email protected]

To donate to Linda’s cause, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/linda-collins15