THE heartbroken mother of a former Ely student who was driven to suicide by his spiralling �8,000 worth of debts, is campaigning to prevent future tragedies.

Toby Thorn wrote a farewell note on the back of a letter from Barclays Bank demanding the repayment of his �3,000 overdraft before his body was found in a field in the city

He had written: “Thank-you to all my friends. I appreciate all your support,” and his body was discovered alongside bank statements. He also owed �5,000 in student debt.

Toby’s mother Anne Thorn, 56, from Penzance, has become a trustee for the charity of Papyrus - the Prevention of Young Suicide.

Data released by Papyrus show that about 1,400 under-35s kill themselves in the UK every year, and 75% are men.

Ms Thorn is calling on the government to do more to save other families from losing loved ones to suicide.

She said: “We are doing whatever we can to reduce young deaths due to suicide. It is a national scandal that the Government is not doing more.

“Although they have promised �1 million for research, there is no action and no implementation plan.

“Young people should be encouraged to reach out for help, but debts are making them feel backed into a corner.”

At Toby’s inquest a year ago, coroner William Morris was told about the former student’s debts, before recording a verdict of suicide.

Toby, 23, had dropped out of a computing course at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge during his second year. He was persuaded to return in September 2010, but dropped out again a few months later.

Toby’s body was found in a field off Lynn Road on July 10 last year. After the inquest, Toby’s mother urged young people suffering with personal difficulties to reach out for help.

“I would like to encourage any young person to go out and get help, even if they think they are a burden,” she said. “There is a lot of support out there. If you are having any kind of suicidal thoughts, go and see a counsellor or talk to your friends.”

INFO: Papyrus operate a free advice line, HOPELineUK on 0800 0684141