A MOTHER has made a heartfelt plea to young people, a year after her son died from taking drugs at a popular music festival.

Debbie Pay, from Millom, has spoken out to warn people heading to Kendal Calling this weekend.

One year ago her 18-year-old son, Christian, died after taking a rogue ecstasy pill at the festival last July.

Determined to warn vulnerable people like her son, Ms Pay said: "We're never going to stop kids from taking drugs and we're never going to stop the dealers, but just think wisely.

"No-one on this earth knows what's in them apart from the people who make them."

Ms Pay has been campaigning hard to set up testing sites at festivals to ensure no-one else suffers pain she feels on a day-to-day basis.

She said: "I don't think it's something you can come to terms with. I don't think I ever will.

"This week is no worse than all the others.

"I re-live that knock on the door every single day."

After hearing about Mr Pay's death, members of the Millom community rallied round in memory of the teen and in support of his mother.

Ms Pay said: "Christian's friends have been absolutely amazing. They've never, ever left me.

"It's been a real comfort. There's always a text for me or a bunch of flowers on the doorstep.

"I don't know what I would have done without these kids."

Friends and family are set to mark the occasion by having a party at The Knights in Millom this weekend.

Ms Pay described her son as a "funny" young man who "loved life" and believes he would have been heading back to the festival this weekend.

She said: "He just loved life. Everyone loved him and he didn't have a harsh word for anyone.

"He was funny and daft but in a kind way and never meant to hurt anyone."

As young people from across the country make their way to the festival this weekend, Ms Pay reflects on last year's tragic events and pleads with people to be careful.

She said: "Please, please, please - if you're going to Kendal Calling remember that drugs ruin lives, break hearts and leave family devastated if things go wrong."

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