A MOTHER has raised £1,000 towards the cost of a shelter planned in memory of her 20-year-old son, who died last year.

Anne Braithwaite, of Braithwaite Gallery, Low Petergate, York, said her son Jake paid many visits to Snowball Plantation, the outdoor activity centre at Stockton on the Forest, where an accessible camp fire shelter is to be created.

She said the money was raised through a raffle for an oil painting of York Minster by Paul Heeley.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated or bought a ticket for the raffle,” she said.

Mrs Braithwaite told in December how Jake belonged to Choose2Youth, a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with children, young people and adults with disabilities and additional needs in York.

She said the organisation helped Jake complete his Duke Of Edinburgh award, which included many trips to Snowball Plantation.

She said donations were taken at Jake’s funeral at York Minster for Choose2Youth, which had also raised thousands of pounds towards the shelter, and she was moved by the organisation’s plan.

“It is really marvellous that they wanted to do something and give Jake a legacy,” she said.

“It really means a lot to us knowing that so many young people will use the shelter. It is something hopefully people will enjoy and I think Jake would have liked it.”

Mrs Braithwaite said yesterday she had also received a generous offer from Simpson York builders to help build the shelter.

“They still need someone to help with the concrete base/groundwork,”she said. “Anyone with offers of help or wanting more information should please contact Steve Rouse at Choose2Youth.” For contact details, visit choose2youth.co.uk.

An inquest heard recently that Jake, who had autism, took his own life last May. Mental health chiefs said there were shortcomings in the care and support given to Jake and said they had taken action since his death to ensure patients with autism received better care. His parents said an addiction to social media had sent Jake into a spiral of decline which eventually led to his suicide.

Anne, who is married to local artist Mark Braithwaite and has a younger child, Rosie, 10, has described Jake as "truly inspirational" and said the family was very proud of him.

*Samaritans can be contacted for free on 116 123. The NHS 24/7 crisis service in York is on 01904 526582. If somebody is at serious risk of harm you should call 999. York Mind offers support on 01904 643364.