Mum of teen Will Paddy pays tribute to him ahead of a charity event in his memory

The mother of a young teen who passed away suddenly said she hopes a charity set up in his memory will help to "fill a gap" in facilities for young people's wellbeing.

WillDoes, a charity aiming to help youngsters going through tough times, was set up after sport-loving Will Paddy, 14, sadly died unexpectedly in May.

Will's mum Lesley said through WillDoes her family are "picking up the mantle" to help young people navigate through difficult times in their life.

In a touching tribute, Lesley, 52, said: "Will was an amazing person, the most kind and empathic individual.

"He loved animals and had a special infinity with them, and he wasn’t frightened of anything.

"He was amazing and fierce on a rugby pitch, and when riding his pony Socks he would jump a 5ft hedge without a second thought.

"He was always there to help his friends when they needed him."

Lesley, who lives in Swanage, said the "unbelievable" pressures put on young people to pass their exams, get a job and help the planet prompted her decision to launch WillDoes, also motivated by what she calls a "lack of resources and facilities for young people in Purbeck and Dorset."

She added: "Our charity is being set up to raise money to fill the gap where at present there is very little help. The team at WillDoes believes that we can help provide funds and support charitable projects that will directly help young people.

"One of the aims is to get young people engaging in outdoor activities rather than insular gaming/online communication and social media. Activities stimulate youngsters and help with anxiety depression and general wellbeing."

In the space of just a few months, WillDoes has raised more than £15,000 and with six fundraising events in the pipeline, the charity is already a huge success.

Hundreds of people are now preparing to lace up for the first big fundraiser - a 10 kilometre run/walk at Studland Bay this Sunday (6). The event will see walkers set off from Knoll Beach at 10am - runners at 11am - finishing at the same spot and enjoying a post-race get together from 1pm.

Following the fun run, other events are also set to take place including a charity golf day at Isle of Purbeck golf club on Tuesday, October 15 and a simulated cross country clinic with international event rider Holly Woodhead at Allenby Barracks in Bovington on November 9 and 10.

Lesley continued: "We have had incredible support from friends, family and schools and clubs which Will attended and I am constantly amazed at what we have achieved so far in such a short space of time.

"In the future, my sister Steph, manager of the RAC Saddle Club in Bovington, is launching a workshop for young people to enable them to work on the ground with horses and benefit from the potential healing benefits animals can provide.

"We are hoping to get on board sporting ambassadors to help achieve our goals in Will's honour."

The deadline to sign up for the 10k run/walk is 12pm on Saturday (5).

Published by Dorset Echo and Bournemouth Echo on 4th October 2019