Tributes have poured in for a teenager who was described as the "kindest" and was "there for everyone".
Lee Thornley, from Huyton, took his own life on February 22, 2018 aged 17. His older brother Adam paid tribute to Lee ahead of a fundraiser this weekend that will see him, along with his friend Chris Davies take on a 122-mile trek to raise money in the teenager's name.
Adam said Lee had "time for everyone", speaking to the ECHO, he said: "I might be biased because I'm his brother but he was one of the kindest and most genuine people you'll ever come across. He always seemed happy to me and we'll never understand what happened.
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"He was a really happy-go-lucky person and always had time for everyone. If any of his mates were struggling they were always welcome in the house, have dinner, could stay round, whatever and he was there for everyone. He was a really intelligent kid and was on his way to university.
"He was going to walk in with flying colours because he was a grade-A college student. It's a shame."
Since the ECHO published a story in Lee's memory, tributes have flooded in for the teenager. Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, David Gardner said: "It's such a tragic story, my heart goes out to all his family and friends. What his brother is doing, I have so much respect for.
"My take from this, a smiling face and a kind heart don't always reveal what's going on in someone's head." Janine Garvey added: "Such a lovely young man, with a loving family behind him." Jess Marie Caldwell also said: "Oh wow his beautiful picture made me smile.
"It was an absolute pleasure knowing Lee we all miss him dearly he was and always will be a ray of sunshine forever in our hearts taken far too soon G.B.N.F." Elaine Monaghan said: "Deepest sympathy to all his loving family fly high Lee."
Other ECHO readers sent messages of support and condolences to Lee's family. Also speaking to the ECHO, Chris, 34, added: "I think it also goes to show that, with mental health, there are no signs. Like Adam has said, there's no way we could have seen the deterioration coming on leading to that. It's all the more important now that you have the Lee Cooper Foundation to give people the ability to open up.
"Only they know what they're going through and it gives them a safe place to go and get it off their chest by speaking to somebody. It's really important."
The Lee Cooper Foundation was set up following the death of Lee by his close friends to help teenagers and young adults with any mental health struggles and concerns they may have. Adam and Chris are raising money for the foundation and are looking to try and get rid of as much of the stigma around mental health as possible.
To read more and donate, click here.
