Mother Encourages Youth to Open Up About Mental Health

Friends and family of Max Turton have been raising money in his memory.

The mother of a teenager named Max Turton, who tragically took his own life after being disappointed with his GCSE exam results, is encouraging young people to openly discuss their concerns. Max passed away on August 28 last year at the age of 16, shortly after receiving his exam grades. Katie Turton, residing in Telford, emphasized the importance of teenagers sharing their feelings to prevent bottling up emotions. She described Max as a kind, funny, and genuine individual who felt like he had let himself down with his exam performance.

Since Max's passing, loved ones have collected approximately £100,000 for charity in his honor. Mrs. Turton expressed her desire for teenagers to seek help if they are struggling emotionally, highlighting the excessive pressure on young people to achieve top grades. Family and friends have rallied around Mrs. Turton and her husband Chris to support their fundraising endeavors for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus. Mrs. Turton herself participated in fundraising activities, such as abseiling down Liverpool's Anfield stadium on what would have been Max's 17th birthday.

For information and assistance regarding mental health issues, individuals can visit the BBC's Action Line website.