Pals to skydive in memory of Callum Short

Two friends of Callum Short, the Manby lad who tragically took his own life last month, are preparing to take part in a daring skydive on what would have been his 21st birthday.
Tyler Ferguson and Will Carter are hoping to carry out the skydive in memory of their friend CallumTyler Ferguson and Will Carter are hoping to carry out the skydive in memory of their friend Callum
Tyler Ferguson and Will Carter are hoping to carry out the skydive in memory of their friend Callum

As reported previously, Callum was sadly found dead near his family home on March 22, and a fundraiser set up by Josh Amos to raise money towards funeral costs and a memorial garden has raised almost £7,300.

Now, two of Callum’s friends are hoping to raise even more cash with their skydive, with all the funds going to the ‘Mind’ mental health charity.

Tyler Ferguson, 19, and Will Carter, 20, will be leaping from 15,000 feet above the Hibaldstow airfield this summer, with the event hopefully taking place on July 10, which would have been Callum’s 21st birthday.

Callum ShortCallum Short
Callum Short

Tyler, who had been friends with Callum for many years since moving to the area, told the Leader: “We just want to raise as much awareness and money as possible. “After what’s happened with Callum, we don’t really want that happening ever again with friends, family, or anyone else.

“We’re not really nervous [about the skydive] at all, but in the current circumstances we thought we should do it to try and raise as much as possible.

“We only set a fundraising target of £500 originally, but within a week it had already nearly reached that.

“I have extended the target to £1,000 and hopefully we’ll end up raising even more than that.”

Tyler continued: “We didn’t really have any idea what was going on in Callum’s mind, and that’s what shocked us all.

“We knew he did have some problems here and there, but we were all open about it.

“It’s especially bad in young men, as there is male stigma. 
“It’s even worse during covid times, when people are stuck inside and you can’t go out and visit friends.

“People need to remember that it’s okay not to feel okay. There’s always someone who will want to listen to you. You can always talk to someone.”

Make a donation towards the skydive by visiting https://gofund.me/119a0d3e, and visit www.mind.org.uk for further information about the charity.

Meanwhile, Callum’s family have released information about his funeral, with advice on how the community can pay their respects.

Their statement said: “Callum’s funeral will take place at 1pm on April 28 at Alford Crematorium.

“Due to the current circumstances and restrictions, only 18 people will be able to attend.

“We are only doing family flowers, but if anyone feels they would like to contribute we will be collecting for the charity Mind.

“The cortege will leave the family home (Fury Avenue) at 12.15pm. We would love for anyone who is unable to attend the funeral to line the streets to pay their respects.

“Anyone is welcome to join the family after the funeral at the Waggon and Horses in South Reston, where the funeral will be live streamed.”

• When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org

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