William Paddy remembered by his friends with Scooter Jam Competition

Published in Bournemouth Daily Echo on 21st January

#Willdoes Scooter Jam 2020 at Prevail Skatepark

DOZENS of teenagers flocked to a skate park in memory of a 14-year-old boy who tragically died.

William Paddy, who went to Milton Abbey School, died at his home in North Instow, Harmans Cross, in May 2019.

Now residents of all ages have come together to support the Scooter Jam Competition, held at Prevail Skatehouse, Poole, on Saturday, January 18.

William's mother, Lesley Paddy, said: "We have already raised over £60,000 since we started fundraising in August after Will tragically passed away.

"Our first event was a free scooter jam at Swanage Skate Park and we also hosted a 10k run where 500 people ran, walked and crawled along Knoll Beach; we raised £14,000 that day.

"Today is bittersweet because losing Will was a tragedy, but the support of so many of his lovely friends makes this whole charity possible.

"Will use to come to this skate park with his friend Ollie, who has organised this event with his mum, and they were at Yarrells School together.

"Will was a daredevil; he was not scared of anything and he was very sporty, as he did horse riding at Bovington Equestrian and played rugby."

The 52-year-old added: "He had a lot of friends at Milton Abbey and they miss him so much, because he was always on the phone to them and I never realised how many people he touched.

"This charity is about helping people because of the pressure young people face with social media, which is dangerous.

"I think the amount they are exposed to on social media you would not have had to deal with 20 years ago, which makes life difficult."

Ollie's mother, Vanessa Lamb, added: "The event today has three categories which are under 12s, over 12s and people who are sponsored by shops.

"They will be given a track to do with jumps and the top three will get prizes; the top 20 will also get goodie bags.

"We have had been donated five scooters as part of the prizes today."

The 49-year-old added: "Tony Hillll, who owns the skate park, has let us use it today and there is a DJ here today so there is a good atmosphere."

The Scooter Jam Competition was held between 12pm and 6pm on Saturday 18th January at Prevail Skatehouse.

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