A CLOSE friend of a young Barrow man who took his own life is hosting a special event in his memory.

25-year-old Anthony Collins will be holding a family event in memory of Will Taylor who died around Valentines day.

Mr Taylor, 27, was a customer service assistant at Vue Cinema in Barrow and news of his death had a huge impact on both his family and friends.

The event will be held on July 13 at 7pm at the Abbey Road Baptist church.

During the evening there will be a whole range of fun activities from face painting, musical numbers, magicians, refreshments, dancing and much more. On the evening a video will also be playing with memories of Mr Taylor.

Mr Collins said: "He was one of my closest friends and we were all devastated when we heard the news - we didn't want to believe it."

The idea of running an event was something Mr Collins had thought about a year ago as he previously wanted to raise money for a mental health charity based on his own experience of anxiety and low moods.

After Mr Taylor's death he then chose to set up the event with the proceeds being donated to the mental health charity Mind.

Will’s sister Chrissie Crampton has also shown her support for the event.

“I thought it was a great idea that Anthony wanted to do it in his memory, Anthony has been really affected by Will's death and he’s actually sought help for his own mental health whilst organising the event which is so inspiring. We regularly keep in touch and he's very passionate about raising awareness and support", she said.

“I’d say to someone that suicide doesn’t end the pain it just passes a greater pain into everyone you love and there is always someone out there who does care, even if you don’t think it there is, it could be a total stranger, family, friend or colleague but someone cares.”

Tickets for the event cost £5 and can be purchased by contacting 07384 595 670 or lightupyourmind@outlook.com.

If you are struggling with any issues call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 from any phone.