FRIENDS of a keen cyclist who took his own life have undertaken a bike ride in his memory to raise awareness of two mental health charities.

Former Colne Community School student William Hennelly died in January at the age of 28.

Since his death, his family and friends have been trying to raise cash and awareness of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) and PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide).

To honour Will’s memory, a group of 13 friends rode from Alresford, where he lived to Wivenhoe, via his burial site in Wrabness.

Will’s father Patrick Hennelly said: “I was able to get some t-shirts printed about the ride beforehand saying Ride for Will with the charities names and contact numbers on the back.

“The route was decided when they arrived.

“It went from Alresford to the woodland burial site in Wrabness where Will is buried then to Dedham where they used to make their own bike jumps then to Manningtree and finally Wivenhoe.

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“All in all it was about 35 miles. There were a few punctures along the route.

“They spent some time at Will’s grave for a while talking about him.

“They were in good spirits and there were laughing.”

Although the group were not collecting money or sponsorship from the ride, several kind-hearted members of the public made cash donations after spotting the t-shirts.

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The cash, roughly £50, has been split between the charities.

Supporters have so far raised more than £1,500 for the charities since Will’s death.

Mr Hennelly said: “We didn’t ask for anything and we were blown away really when people donated.

“Will was a keen biker and cycling was one of his hobbies so it would have meant a lot to him.”

Ride for Will is set to be a regular fixture and there are plans to organise sponsorship in the future. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/patrick-hennelly or justgiving.com/fundraising/will-hennelly-rip-1.