A MUM who walked over four hours in memory of her son has helped raise nearly £2,500 for a suicide prevention charity.

Ryan Diamond was hailed a ‘brilliant’ boy that ‘everybody loved’ by mum, Maria Hardiman, before she completed the 11.6 mile walk in his memory.

And on Sunday, she and a group of others walked for Ryan, who was 18 when he died in Burtonwood in 2018.

The group walked from St Helens’ stadium – the Totally Wicked Stadium – to Goodison Park, the home of Everton.

Ryan, who grew up in Burtonwood and Chapelford, was a huge Saints fan and had started going to Everton games with his stepdad, Andrew Swann.

And the walk raised money for Papyrus, the town centre charity which helps the prevention of young suicide.

So far, £2,469 has been raised, with further sponsorship to come in and a signed Everton shirt that will be auctioned off to go towards the funds too.

“He was just brilliant,” Maria recalled of son Ryan.

Warrington Guardian: Ryan Diamond was a huge St Helens fanRyan Diamond was a huge St Helens fan

“He absolutely loved art – he was doing art at Warrington Collegiate – everybody loved him, he was just a popular, really nice kid.

“It was a long walk, my legs were killing and everyone was dying to get back for the football but considering it was such a big day with the England game, the amount of people that turned up and were willing to walk with us, everyone just came together.”

Maria, a teacher at MPH Training, continued: “It was really nice because people spoke to people they didn’t know before, I did make everyone aware we had to social distance and stuff like that, but it was really nice.

“When we got there everyone felt like they had achieved something.”

The group of 36 left St Helens at 12pm and arrived at Everton’s ground after 4pm. Maria completed the walk with one of her former students Everton shirt around her waist.

Warrington Guardian: The group setting off from St Helens to EvertonThe group setting off from St Helens to Everton

They passed away due to suicide, and as their mum could not make it, Maria brought the football top with her so they were there in spirit.

“It’s amazing to be able to help. I try to do things every year but this year is the most that we have raised,” she added.

“Thank you to everyone that joined us, the companies and Ellison Travel that gave us free transport, things like that I just think it was amazing that people wanted to help.”

The JustGiving page can be reached here.