Family and friends of two teenage boys, who took their own lives, are organising various fundraising events in their memory.

Weymouth teenagers, Trey Rodd and Riley Ellis aged 15 and 17 respectively, both took their own lives in 2022.

In their memory, the families are hoping to raise as much money as possible for two charities Gully’s Place and Young Minds.

Gully's Place is a space in The Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital, designed for children's palliative and end-of-life care and their families in emergency.

Trey’s mother Nina shares her gratitude towards Gully’s team for providing both Trey and Riley’s families with emotional support and guidance through an immensely difficult period.

Dorset Echo: Trey Rodd and his mother Nina

She said: “It’s a local facility and we were lucky we had somewhere private and comfortable to go and be with our boys afterwards. I got to be with Trey in a nice room lit up by lights.

"It also helps young children who are ill in providing a non-clinical place for those who can’t go home as they need care but don’t want to be in a hospital ward.

“We were all so well looked after. The charity took care of the boys after their death and looked after us.

"Hannah and her team were amazing. She was the Lead Nurse for child death and came round to our houses in her own time and checked on us days and months after to see how we were. The care was above and beyond.”

Both families also hope to raise money for Young Minds – the national young people’s mental health charity.

Mike Ellis, father of Riley, will be undertaking the London Marathon in April 2024 in honour of Riley and Trey and has already raised over £2,700. Close family friend Chris May will also be participating in the London Marathon to raise money for Gullys.

On Saturday, February 10, there will be a coffee morning from 11am to 1pm at Radipole United Reform Church, Spa Road, Weymouth to raise money for both marathons.

Nina is hoping to see as many people as possible for the fundraising event which will also unite friends and family of Trey and Riley.

Dorset Echo: Sally Ellis and son Riley

Nina added: “They had so many friends and family I think it’ll fill up just with them and it’ll be nice to see everybody and hear some stories. I like to think their friends are more open to talking since what’s happened.

"It’s been traumatic for all these kids, and I do worry about them. To lose two friends is horrific and I like to think people feel it’s more ok to talk.

 “The aim is to help places but also help other kids get the help they need. If there’s anything good that can come out of something so horrible it’s all of us doing something. Out there, people need to talk and there should be more facilities out there to make it easier for young people to talk.”

You can donate to Mike and Chris on their fundraising pages:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/mike-ellis-1695894199738

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/chris-may-3c000/post/5427239