More than £25,000 has already been raised for suicide prevention charity James’ Place in memory of Will Lowther, who a year ago took his own life, aged just 21.
Will’s parents, Jim and Vanessa Lowther, along with Lowther Castle and Gardens, have pledged their support to the charity which works to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis.
From a young age, Will loved to paint and after a foundation art year, he went to pursue his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna.
During his late teenage years, Will struggled with his mental health. Despite fighting courageously for years with his inner demons, he took his own life.
Jim and Vanessa said: “It is a tragic fact that suicide can happen to any family, rural or city-based. James’ Place is a unique organisation and we are very keen to ensure that it becomes able to support as many men as possible.
“Their current fundraising drive — to create three new centres — is one we dearly wish to see succeed.”
A long term partnership between Lowther Castle and James’ Place was announced late last year, since when donations have been coming thick and fast.
The charity offers free, life-saving treatment to men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis at centres in Liverpool and London and plans to open three new centres in England over the coming years.
Among other strands of support, Lowther Castle will invite all visitors to donate to the charity, while all organisers of events taking place at the castle will give James’ Place a proportion of event income. Lowther Castle will also host and contribute to fundraising events on behalf of the charity.
