An Aberystwyth mother who lost one of her sons to suicide last year is facing her fear of heights in a bid to save young lives.

Linda Collins said she is “terrified of heights”, but will undertake a skydive to raise awareness and funds for national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, in memory of her elder son, Thomas, who died by suicide just over a year ago, aged just 19.

On Sunday, Linda will dive from the sky at Swansea Airport.

The following day would have been Thomas’ 21st birthday.

It will be a family event, with her younger son, 16-year-old Declan, ready to catch her on landing.

“Never a day goes by when I ask myself why? Why Thomas?” Linda said.

“He was a very calm, loving son who loved life and who seemed to have such a bright future ahead of him.

“Sadly his best friend since they were three years old, Kyran, had died by suicide just a few months before we lost Thomas.

“Knowing what I have since learnt through my support to PAPYRUS, I wonder whether this affected Thomas more deeply than our family realised.

“Now I want to do whatever I can to save other young lives so that more families do not endure the devastation of losing sons or daughters through suicide.”

Coleg Ceredigion, where Thomas attended as a pupil, is supporting Linda’s fundraising campaign, as is Rummers Wine Bar, where Thomas and his friends used to meet.

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK tel 0800 0684141, text 07786 209697, or email [email protected].

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