Pals take the plunge to remember Thomas
The friends of a Sunderland teenager who died at home have braved the North Sea to raise funds and awareness around the importance of mental health.
Thomas Brookes, 16, died suddenly at the home he shared with mum Helen Wardropper in Westheath Avenue, Grangetown, on Saturday, September 28, 2019.
The devastated mum tried desperately to save her son, but was unable to resuscitate him.
Family and friends have since raised thousands of pounds and vital awareness of the importance of mental health. Now, four close friends, Ryan Taggart, Ethan Damsell, George Pattison and Kieran Black, have braved the elements for a freezing dip in the North Sea at Roker Beach.
Together they have raised more than £1,000 for charity in Thomas’s name
Helen said: “Mental health and young people’ s mental health is so important to me personally. There isn’t enough support out there.
"I took up sea swimming after Thomas died and it’s really helped me. You get this sense of release and euphoria.
"It was six months after I lost Thomas. I had this feeling like I needed to be in the sea. I used to go swimming in Egypt with Thomas and we would spend so long in the sea.
"There are so many groups out there and it has really helped me. As soon as you start swimming you forget yourself – I find it really therapeutic.”
The four friends were dressed as grandmothers as they carried out a number of mini-challenges before running into the sea for the good cause on Sunday, October 25.
Pictured in the sea the four friends held up letters spelling out Tom B and were pictured with the 16-yearold’s mum and the elephant, known as Bob, which has become a mascot for raising awareness in his name.
More than £1,160 has been raised for If You Care Share – a North East suicide prevention and bereavement support charity.
"It’s something the lads wanted to do and I’m so proud of everything that they have done,” Helen added.
The 41-year-old, who joined Wild Sea Women, has previously spoken of the “horrendous” first lockdown period and raised awareness for the vital group, Sunderland Grieving Parents Support.
To donate visit m.facebook.com/helen.wardropper.