TOUCHING tributes were paid at a charity football match to a much-loved son and friend who took his own life.

Pupils, parents and staff turned out in force to watch Year 11 students at the Stanway School beat teachers 6-3 in a fundraising game.

The match raised more than £2,000 for the Samaritans in memory of former pupil Luke Reeves, 21, who killed himself in April.

Luke’s parents Robert and Becky say his personality changed after he took the prescribed acne drug Roaccutane.

Harry Runicles, best friend to Luke’s brother Justin who also goes to Stanway School asked for donations from the annual match to go to the charity. Robert Reeves, Luke’s father, watched the game from the sidelines and said he was touched by the turn-out.

He said: “I hadn’t actually spoken to Harry before so I made a point of thanking him very much for the support.

“Without him I wouldn’t have been raising awareness of the issues surrounding Roaccutane in the press.

“There were some really nice touches, like Harry bringing my Justin a card and some flowers.

“He has struggled at school and it is nice to know he has this support.

“We were really flattered.

“The Samaritans are a charity close to home for us. My wife had a close friend who used to be a Samaritan on the end of the phone.

“I can remember trying to get Luke to get in touch with the Samaritans, but he wouldn’t make the call.

“It is nice to know there is this resource available to people suffering from depression.”

The match was held at the school in Winstree Road.

Luke first attempted suicide last summer and again in October.

He was in the intensive care unit for nine days before being transferred temporarily to the Lakes mental health unit last year.

He died at home.

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.

  • The Samaritans can contacted 24 hours a day on 116 123.