Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of a 15-year-old who tragically took his own life.

The family of Sam West, from Frittenden, have rallied since his death in January, hoping to raise £10,000 to set up a charity to promote awareness of mental health issues in teenagers.

Overwhelming support has seen the fundraising target double.

So far, £20,590 has been raised towards the creation of the Sam West Foundation.

A statement on the JustGiving page reads: “While we will never understand “why”, we want to create a legacy that will promote awareness, diagnosis and treatment of mental health among teenagers in Kent, as well as support arts and music in schools.”

Since his death, the keen musician’s friends and family have begun organsing Project Walk To Talk.

The project is planning to walk a near 200km route covering Cranbrook, Canterbury, Bromley and finishing at Hyde Park.

The walk is set to take place in August and organisers are hoping others will join in, even for just an hour.

A statement on projectwalktotalk.com reads: “Our team will be walking the full end to end route and will be raising money doing so. However we don’t just want to limit this to our group as we know mental health affects so many people.

“With that in mind we are opening up the event to everyone and anyone.

“You can get involved for any reason. Whether you are fighting a mental illness or know someone who is and you want to show your support. Or alternatively you could not have any relationship to mental illness and just want to help do the right thing.”

To sign up to the walk visit this website or donate to the Sam West Foundation

So far more than 340 people have donated to the fundraising page, with many adding words of tribute and support to Sam’s family.

A full inquest into Sam’s death is due to take place on April 16.