A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy from Newton Abbot who lost his uncle to suicide has raised hundreds of pounds in the hope of saving other lives.

Bobby Joyce raised the money by walking up the highest mountain in England and Wales with his mum Emily.

He then sat down and wrote a letter to his chosen charity saying: ‘I really hope this money helps save other people.’

Family and friends sponsored Bobby’s trek up Mount Snowdon in North Wales, helping him to raise £420 for the national charity Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide.

His proud mum, Emily, says the challenge took more than seven hours in terrible weather conditions but Bobby was determined to do it.

She said: ‘It was such a miserable, cold day. He was shivering but just kept on going. 

‘So many walkers were so supportive on the way up, encouraging him and making him smile.

'I just kept saying to him ‘come on, we’re nearly at the top.’ 

Tragically, Bobby lost his uncle James, aged 21, to suicide in 2022.

Emily explained: ‘Obviously he doesn’t really understand. 

‘He knows my brother James was very poorly. We talk about mental health and how important it is to chat about things and share how we feel. He knows that no issue is too big that you can’t talk about it.’   

Before returning to start Year 3 at Bradley Barton Primary School earlier this week, Bobby made sure all the money had been collected. 

He then posted it to the suicide prevention charity Papyrus, with a hand-written letter explaining who he was and why he had done it. 

Vicki Dutton, fundraising manager at Papyrus, said: ‘Bobby’s letter melted our hearts. 

‘He’s a little hero. The fact that he wrote to us saying he really hopes the money helps save other people is so wonderful. 

‘Bobby and his family can be assured that every penny will be spent helping children and young people who are struggling with life.’  

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice, contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email [email protected]