The family of a Perthshire teenager recently marked the first anniversary since his death with a spectacular parachute stunt.
Beth Bryson organised a jump from a plane at Errol airfield to raise money and suicide awareness after her younger brother Sonny died.
Santino ‘Sonny’ Hoggan was 16 when he was found dead on January 17, 2021. A major search in Glenfarg had ended tragically when the body of the teen was discovered in a park near his home.
One year on, Beth and the rest of Sonny’s family decided to organise the skydive - brother Michael (18) and soon to be brother-in-law Michael Merilees (30) did the 10,000ft jump - to commemorate the first year of Sonny’s passing.
Their dive raised an amazing £1200 which will go to help The Lighthouse for Perth “a charity that does so well to help people with mental health,” explained Beth.
“It felt fitting to choose The Lighthouse as we have a relationship with them and they are working hard in local schools to help teenagers with mental health problems.
“Michael my brother who lives in Perth with his partner Paulina and Michael my partner were in the hot seat to skydive.
“My brother Michael, Vito and Sonny’s little sister Santana were all there on the day with my mum Mary cheering the boys on.
“The skydive went great, it was the most beautiful day and the sun was shining.
“We knew Sonny was there with us looking down on us.
“It has been so hard without Sonny and it’s been difficult to adjust to life without him, but we feel as a family by organising fundraisers and doing positive things we are keeping his memory alive.
“Sonny was the most kind-hearted young man and I think he will be so happy that we are helping others,” concluded Beth.
Sharon Thomas, operations manager at The Lighthouse, thanked Donna Whittet and the generosity of HSBC’s Perth branch and its Supporting Our Community Fund for sponsoring the skydive, ensuring all funds raised are donated to The Lighthouse.
Donna Whittet from HSBC bank in Perth agreed to sponsor the event through the HSBC “Supporting Our Community Fund” which meant every penny raised would come to The Lighthouse.
“As a local charity, local support is so important to us and any donations go right back into the community to help those in need,” explained Sharon.
“We are also rolling out our Mental Health Ambassador Programme in Perthshire high schools to provide peer to peer support and these funds will really help in funding these activities.
“We are very grateful to Beth for organising this fundraiser and hoping to make this an annual event, raising funds and keeping Sonny’s memory alive.”
At the time of Sonny’s disappearance last year, one of his pals paid tribute on social media: “Sonny bud I can’t even begin to tell you how much you made others and me smile. It was unreal.
“ You won’t be forgotten. Rest easy.”
