Thousands raised for heartbroken family of boy, 15, who died on railway after mental health issues
Donations have poured in for the heartbroken family of a 15-year-old boy after his tragic death sparked an outpouring of grief across his community.
More than £23,600 has been raised in memory of Harrison Aylott, with the fundraiser rapidly approaching its £25,000 target.
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The appeal was launched to help cover funeral costs, with any money raised beyond the target set to be donated to teen mental health charities.
British Transport Police said Harrison died on railway tracks in Blockley, Gloucestershire, on 8 June.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, as reported by Need To Know.
Touching tributes have since been paid to the keen rugby player, with friends saying he “never failed to make people smile”.
His close friend Tom Beetson, who launched the fundraiser, said: “One of my closest friends, Harrison Aylott, recently passed away.
“He was only 15 and fell victim to the ever-rising issue of the neglect of men’s mental health.
“He was a much-loved member of our community, and his kindness, laugh, and way of never failing to make people smile will be long remembered.
“He never failed to make a positive impression on any person meeting him for the first time.”
Harrison was a pupil at The Cotswold School and played for the under-16s at Stow-on-the-Wold Rugby Club.
Tom later thanked supporters after the appeal smashed through its original fundraising target.
He said: “Thank you immensely to everyone who, up until this point, has helped us blow far past our previous goal.
“Each and every person’s participation will never be forgotten by Harrison’s family.
“It is a shame he isn’t here to see the impact he’s making on the problem of teens’ mental health and the legacy he has left behind.”
Harrison’s family also paid a heartfelt tribute to their son.
They said: “Our beautiful boy Harrison was the light in our lives and had everyone laughing within minutes of being in his company.
“His relationship with his brothers was so special and to see them laugh together brought us so much joy.
“We’ve had so many lovely messages from his friends telling us just how cherished he was by them and how much joy he brought to them all.
“Please continue to send any photos you have of our lovely boy, you have no idea how special they are to us right now.
“He was the kindest boy with the biggest heart and while nothing will heal this pain, we will continue to carry him in our hearts forever and ever and we encourage all who loved him to do the same and think of all the places he will go.
“Our dear boy, we love you so much.”
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