TRIBUTES have been paid to a “funny and free-spirited” man following his death aged 22.

Joshua Kinnie, from Darlington, died on October 11.

Friends, family and well-wishers have raised hundreds of pounds in his memory following his suicide, which will go towards a mental health charity.

The former soldier, who served with the Queen's Royal Hussars, loved climbing and being in the mountains, particularly the Lake District and going to the gym.

Read more: Where to get mental health help in Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire

He was the youngest of six and was a former student of Longfield Academy and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form.

He worked at Amazon but had hopes of re-joining the Army after leaving two years ago.

Allison Malloch, his mum, paid tribute to her funny and free-spirited son.

She said: “Josh was his own person. He loved making everyone laugh. He was a real character.

“You could be telling him something quite serious or be telling him off and he would be able to turn it around and make us all laugh.

“He was always more for making other people feel good.

“We knew he suffered from depression and mental health issues but we didn’t realise how much of a dark place he was in.

“He didn’t talk a lot about it. He was quite closed off.”

She added: “He was such a lovely person. He had his moments, like everyone does, but Josh had his own rules and he lived by them.”

Those who knew Joshua are now raising money in his memory.

So far, more than £750 has been raised, which will be split between a charity helping men with their mental health, as well as Patterdale Mountain Rescue, which assisted with finding Joshua’s body.

They are yet to decide on which mental health charity to support.

Mrs Malloch added: “Mental health is a serious illness, not a one that comes with symptoms but with serious effects, your own mind being your constant battle that unfortunately Joshua lost to.

“Raising funds could help stop just one more life being taken.

“Men's mental health is no joke, it’s here, it’s now.”

His funeral will take place at Darlington Crematorium on November 11 and those who attend are asked to wear a poppy.

  • When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-joshua-kinnie

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