We’ll never forget you, Simeon
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF TRAGIC BOY SET TO TAKE PART IN A CYCLING CHALLENGE TO HELP KEEP HIS MEMORY ALIVE –
THE family and friends of a Burton schoolboy who died are set to honour his memory as the first anniversary of his death approaches.
It has been a heartbreaking year for the family of Simeon Ashton, who died aged just 15 on March 31, 2020.
His grieving family and friends are determined to keep his memory alive, and throughout the last painful year his loved ones have been raising money in his honour to pay for a permanent memorial to be installed at a place he dearly loved.
Although it has not yet been decided what the memorial will be, it is hoped it will be placed in the skate park in Church Gresley, near to where he lived. Simeon loved to go here.
With the first anniversary of his death fast approaching, his friends and family are preparing to take part in a cycling challenge as part of the Smile for Simeon fund-raising efforts and also to raise money for the Young Minds mental health charity.
Simeon was a pupil at Paulet High School in the town, and it is believed that he was found hanged.
Simeon’s godmother Shirley Davenport said: “It has been a difficult and testing year. Lockdown hasn’t helped at all but we’re taking little steps and taking it day by day.
“It’s getting through the day and supporting the family as best we can. Keeping his memory alive is really important to the family and his friends.
“Paulet High School is in the process of building a memory garden for Simeon and others who had died and it will be a place for people to go and think. The team at Paulet has been amazing for the mental health of the children.
“I think it’s important to talk to somebody, maybe a friend or family member, but you’ve got to keep talking and keep the doors of communication open really.
“Getting outside every day and getting some exercise makes you feel so much better. My son is 14 and he goes out every day and he feels so much better just getting out.”
Simeon was described as a “lovely lad” who was always smiling and very passionate. He loved the RAF, being out with his friends and being outdoors on walks or his BMX.
The cycling challenge is being organised by family friend and keen cyclist Dave Winter and will see teams challenge themselves to cycle
950 miles, which is the equivalent of Lands End to John O’groats, throughout the month of April.
Some may choose to cycle less miles but are still raising money for the cause. Others are taking part in a squats challenge where they will do 100 squats every day of the month.
The idea of Miles for Simeon Cycle
Challenge is all about getting outside and exercise, which is good for mental health.
The cyclists will be in teams of six and will cycle in an area they choose and the miles will be added together. It is hoped by then that the rule of six will be introduced as part of the lockdown restrictions easing but most of the riders will be out alone or with a friend or family member.
Mrs Davenport said: “I think that cycling is good for mental health as it releases endorphins while they are getting exercise.
“We’ve got children to join us as
well, friends of Simeon and people who didn’t know him but their parents did.
“It’s about going out and getting exercise, especially now when it’s so difficult for children. We’re doing it in teams and with less than two weeks to go, everyone is really motivated and there’s a lot of banter between people.
“Dave is really passionate about children’s mental health and he’s pushing us all to get up and get out.”
Friends of Simeon started their fund-raising efforts last year but coronavirus has delayed many of the events they had planned so they have been doing what they can while sticking to the Covid restrictions until a new date can be set.
Mrs Davenport said: “From September we’ve been doing the little things we can do and we’re hoping to have done the big things by the end of the year.
“The support we’ve had from people has been amazing and I know Simeon’s family is grateful for everything they are trying to do in his memory.”
An inquest into Simeon’s death was opened and adjourned last April, to investigate the circumstances of his death.
Anyone who wants to donate to the Miles for Simeon Cycle Challenge can do so by visiting https:// www.gofundme.com/f/youngminds-miles-for-simeon
SCHOOLBOY’S DEATH
It has been a difficult and testing year. Lockdown hasn’t helped at all but we’re taking little steps day by day.
Shirley Davenport