Tree planted in memory of Swindon boy who took his own life

Euan Schaub seemed to have an uncanny knack for anything he tried his hand at, whether it was singing, playing musical instruments, modelling, fundraising, volunteering, painting, skateboarding, cycling, or athletics.

The popular 15-year-old appeared on the runway at London Fashion Week more than once, earned a diamond Blue Peter badge, took part in Threshold's Big Sleep Out four times, was part of the Haydon Wick Youth Council, and acted as a young carer for his mum Jemma Collins, who cared for him in turn.

Sadly, after struggling to cope with his ADHD and mental health, the teenager died on March 21 - a month before what would have been his 16th birthday - and his funeral was held in April.

Euan Schaub (Image: Liz Clarke Photography)

Since then, Jemma has tried to arrange for a suitable memorial to Euan’s life with help from The Kelly Foundation.

They wanted to find a special sport that his friends and family could visit and pay their respects to the talented boy.

Haydon Wick Parish Council allowed a blossom tree to be added to the area’s skate park, where Euan spent many happy hours.

Around 50 of his friends and loved ones gathered earlier this month to attend the tree-planting ceremony which saw his sisters Ayla and Ivie unveil a small plaque in his memory.

Euan Schaub's sisters Ayla and Ivie at the planting of a tree in his memory (Image: The Kelly Foundation)

Kelly Foundation chair John Stooke said: “We see the Kelly Foundation as a holistic mental health charity, by which we mean we don't just help clients with emotional distress, we try to get at the reasons for anxiety and depression.

“And, if there are practical things we can do to help relieve them, then we actively target these.

“Whilst Jemma's life will never be anything like the same again, she will have somewhere she can come and, at the anniversary of his passing, will see the tree transform into its spring time cherry blossom.”

Jemma previously told the Adver: "He was a big part of all our lives and a much-loved nephew, brother, son, and grandson.

"Euan was handsome, talented, kind, ambitious, and curious about everything. He had already built up a little legacy and was full of life, "

If you are struggling with your mental health, the Samaritans are always there to listen, with no judgment or pressure, on their helpline 116 123, with further support at www.samaritans.org