£25,000 charity target in memory of 26-year-old Ralph

A Lytham couple have launched an appeal to help others in memory of their son who died suddenly at just 26 years old.
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It was only after Ralph Roberts’ shock death that it was discovered he had a sarcoidosis, a rare throat condition which resulted in breathing complications.

The breathing problems caused Ralph to book a Covid-19 test and immediately isolate until the result was known, but it came back negative, only for him to die from what a post-mortem revealed to be sarcoidosis shortly afterwards.

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Now his parents Neil and Fiona have set up a Just Giving appeal in Ralph’s name – and have been moved by how quickly it has moved towards its £25,000 target.

Ralph Roberts died in January, aged just 26Ralph Roberts died in January, aged just 26
Ralph Roberts died in January, aged just 26

The aim is for a lasting legacy in Ralph’s memory to help young people get involved in skateboarding, which was the former St Bede’s RC High School pupil’s lifelong passion.

After gaining a top qualification in art at St Martin’s College in London, Ralph remained in the capital, working for the Vans leisure company, but was always immensely proud of his roots in Lytham, where he developed and honed his skateboarding skills at Park View 4U Playing Fields – and was renowned among family and friends for his smile and how much he cared about others.

“Ralph was one of the m ost caring, giving and generous people,” said dad Neil. “He always took the time to support others and saw their talents and potential even when they could not.

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“His overriding loves were skateboarding and creativity and his talents were admired and acknowledged by others in the skate community, which brought him so much joy, freedom and the means to express himself.

Ralph's parents Neil and FionaRalph's parents Neil and Fiona
Ralph's parents Neil and Fiona

“He truly loved life, had an ability to seize every moment and make it the best.

“The dullest of days became the golden ones you never forgot when Ralph was around.

“His generosity of spirit was ever present. He was an exceptional human being who had a passion for living his own life but at the same time helping others to live theirs.

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“The Just Giving page was set up to help young people either already involved in skating or who want to get involved and may not have the

means.

“It will either support existing skate charities or we will set up a charitable foundation specifically in Ralph’s name.

“Either way it will fulfil Ralph’s ethos of helping people progress in the skating world and see their true potential. He always met negativity with positivity and believed in best for all.

“While we are heartbroken now, it is so important to us that the baton of Ralph’s kindness is passed on to others and spread as far and as wide as possible.“

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Neil and Fiona have been touched and delighted at how quickly the appeal has topped £20,000 – more than 80 per cent of the target, with donations from 680 supporters,

“The first donation of £10 was found in Ralph’s wallet and is therefore from Ralph himself,” added Neil.

“He planted the £10 acorn - we are so grateful for the support for the massive oak we wish to grow in his name.”

More details about the appeal and how to donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ralph-roberts

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