TEENAGER George Rabbett-Smith enjoyed a day out from his care home to attend a fun day organised by family and friends to raise cash for the charity set up in his name.
George, from Bowes, remains in a prolonged disorder of consciousness after trying to take his life on June 4 last year and is currently being cared for at Bowes Court, Evenwood.
The family fun day was held in the grounds of Green Lane Primary School, Barnard Castle, and featured a host of activities, all to raise money for I’m George’s Mate, the charity set up by George’s parents Hilary and David and his friends.
The charity aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and preventing suicide among young people through peer support groups and by developing an accredited course in mental health awareness and suicide prevention aimed at teenagers aged 14-18.
On a glorious late summer’s afternoon there was a football match, Nerf shooting range, bouncy castle and slide and a number of stalls.
Mrs Rabbett-Smith said work on peer support had begun but the accredited course was a longer term aim due to the amount of work involved. In the meantime, the fundraising continues.
On Sunday, Mrs Rabbett-Smith will be one of three athletes supporting I’m George’s Mate lining up for the Great North Run.
Later this month, George’s dad David will be joined by about ten other walkers to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
“We are doing car boot sales in between times as well,” added Mrs Rabbett-Smith.
“There will also be an annual ball at Blackwell Grange, Darlington, on October 11, to mark one year of the charity, and a Christmas market at the Dolphin Centre on November 2.”
She said events were now being organised around the country, with a Rock for George music event being planned by a friend of their daughter Bethany in Canterbury.
“We’ve also had word that I’m George’s Mate is now classed as a national charity,” she added.
Above all else, George’s parents have one overriding ambition – for their son to be looked after at home.
“All we want is to get him home so we can start to live again. We would have had him home yesterday if we could,” she said.
For more details of the charity, go to https://imgeor gesmate.weebly.com.
Anyone who is struggling with mental health problems or suicidal thoughts can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or go online to www. samaritans.org.
