On the evening of Sunday 7th May 2017 our youngest son William, brother to Joe & Dan, was knocked down and killed whilst out running near our home in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. Will was just 18 years and 5 months. The accident happened just four weeks before he was due to sit his A-level exams; six weeks before the end of his school career. He had secured a place at college to study Product Design.

William was a talented and much loved pupil at Kings Priory School Tynemouth. After a day spent revising, he went out for some fresh air and exercise. Within minutes from home, he was struck by one of two cars that were racing. The 19 year old driver of the car that lost control, left the road and mounted the pavement was travelling in excess of 80 mph in a 30 mph limit when he ploughed into William. The 17 year old driver of the other vehicle, following closely behind, was also travelling substantially in excess of the speed limit. He had only passed his driving test a week or so before. The two had been racing at high speeds over a distance of several miles. Both drivers were subsequently convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and are now serving custodial sentences.

Will was a happy, positive, capable and kind natured young man. From a young age he enjoyed physical activities and the outdoors, particularly walking and climbing, but also other activities such as kayaking, skiing & sub aqua . By the age of 15 he had climbed the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland. Over six foot, he liked to keep fit, enjoyed running and regularly went to the gym.

When 16 he obtained his National Citizens Service Award and, at 18, his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. But his passion was climbing. He was a member of Newcastle Climbing Centre www.newcastleclimbingcentre.co.uk and attended every week.

Following William's death over £2,600 has been raised and donated to establish the William Dorey Climbing Club at King's Priory School, Tynemouth. The school already had an indoor climbing wall but it had fallen into disuse through lack of trained staff and funding. Following refurbishment and staff training, provided by Newcastle Climbing Centre and paid for with the money raised from donations, the wall is now back in regular use. However, we now wish to raise further funds to help ensure the William Dorey Climbing Club continues to thrive and provide opportunities not only for pupils of all ages but, hopefully, also the wider community.

To that end we, Will's family, Hugh, Gill, Joe and Dan will attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2018. We are paying all our own expenses so that all money raised from donations will go to the William Dorey Climbing Club. We are determined to build something positive and hopeful from this tragedy and hope that you feel able to donate whatever you can.

William was and remains an inspiration to our family. He was a unique, irreplaceable and much loved son and brother, a popular boy with a great sense of humour and remarkable ability to connect with people and bring out the best in them. As described by his head teacher, Will was 'one of life's lovely people'. We love, and will always love, and miss him.

Thank you for taking the time to read our page and for your donation.