THE MEMORY of a talented Petersfield musician who jumped to his death on the A3 will live on through a charity founded in his name.

The Damian Thomas Musical Trust, set up by the teenager’s family following his suicide last year, will help buy musical instruments for children.

Damian Thomas (17) was passionate about his music, especially the piano, and his beloved white keyboard has pride of place in the family home at Stoneham Close.

Having something positive to focus on is helping his devastated family – mum Kay, dad Adrian, brother Josh (24), and sisters Megan (22) and Bethany (16) – to cope.

“Damian was a very talented, self-taught musician,” said Kay. “He started with the guitar and drums and then the piano. It was his passion, and he was at his calmest when he was playing the piano.”

Kay had the idea of the charity as she wanted other young people to get as much pleasure from music as Damian did.

“Instruments and lessons can be expensive, so we will be able to help if someone wants to start to play,” she said.

The inquest into Damian’s death on the night of September 12 was held last week, bringing some closure for the family. It concluded he had taken his own life at a time of “great personal stress”.

But Kay says she struggles with why he killed himself, jumping from the footbridge over the A3 southbound near Petersfield Services.

“He was very outgoing, cheeky, had lots of friends of all ages. He loved going to the gym and he had a motorbike.

“He struggled at times, but he wasn’t suicidal through his life.”

Damian, who had suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a heart condition, had been to the doctor for depression three days before his death.

He was not prescribed medication but was given a leaflet to read.

“We told him we were going to get him some help, but it was obviously much more serious than anyone thought it was,” said Kay.

The inquest found that Damian had no alcohol or drugs in his body.

Damian attended The Petersfield School, where he didn’t settle, was home educated and then attended Warblington School for his GCSEs. His dream was to join the Army.

Anyone interested in supporting the family’s trust should contact Kay at e-mail [email protected]