Thousands of pounds have been raised to place a memorial tree with a plaque in memory of a Leeds schoolboy that took his own life.
The friends of 12-year-old Layth Maumonait decided to raise money so that they could place something to remember him by at King Lane Park where they used to play together after their schooldays at Allerton High School.
Layth, a year seven pupil, tragically died in April after taking his own life. His father Ali Maumoniat told Leeds Live that his son had struggled following the death of his mother two years prior.
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Helen Pavlou said that her daughter, Jennifer was a close friend of Layth and that they and other local children used to play on the park in the evenings after sharing classes together. She said that her daughter and Layth's other friends wanted to ensure that Layth was not forgotten by raising enough money to place something in the park in his name; whether it be a tree, plaque or piece of playground equipment.
Ms Pavlou said: "They used to play in the park together and that's why it means so much to them all. They want to put something there to remember the good times with Layth.
"Layth had a really infectious personality. They used to play in the park and he would be making up games and stuff to keep the other kids entertained. They were all really close and he was quite a big figure.
"I set the fundraising page up on behalf of my daughter and his close friends but they are solely responsible for this lovely gesture, which demonstrates their maturity and caring nature to the full. I am really proud of them to be doing such a lovely thing in Layth's honour."
The GoFundMe page was set up with the hope of raising enough money to plant a tree and erect a plaque in Layth's honour. However, after receiving the required funds in such a short amount of time they are now looking at the possibility of erecting a new piece of playground equipment.
Ms Pavlou said: "We have had a huge amount of support from the local community. Even Tesco got in touch offering to do a raffle towards the fund.
"We're on £2,600 at the minute and if we can't get enough for some playground equipment then we were talking about giving the additional money to a mental health charity."
Ms Pavlou added that she has spoke with the local parish council and Leeds City Council, who have given permission for both the tree and the playground equipment should they reach their target.
To view the fundraiser or donate click here.
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