IT is four years this weekend since 16-year-old James Thorner took his own life by diving off Burton Cliffs.

And it is only just now when parents Clive and Samantha from Burton Bradstock are emerging from the black hole of their grief.

That is why James’ mum Samantha now feels ready to tackle the Bournemouth half marathon on October 4 to raise money for the charity Young Minds - a charity both parents have been raising money for since James' death on September 26, 2011.

Samantha, who works at Mountjoy School, said she was inspired to tackle the run by James’ cousin Samantha Smith, who lost her step-sister Tasmin and cousin James within weeks of each other.

Both youngsters were 16 when they took their own lives.

Samantha has already raised more than £1,300 for Young Minds when she did a sky dive in February 2012.

And a fundraising motorcycle ride a year after James’ death raised nearly £3,500 in his memory and to support the charity.

Mrs Thorner said Samantha mentioned she was doing the half marathon.

She said: “I have been training very hard this summer and running miles.

"I had a turning point. I was off work for a couple of weeks before the summer break

"Sami said she was doing it and I thought 'd give it a go because I'd been running anyway.

"I have just started to feel a little bit better about things, coming out of that horrible period, how can you describe it? You can't.

"Running does make me feel a lot, lot better.

"Clive runs with me. Running is very good for your mental health and well being and you get fitter.

"What with James' anniversary coming up I am doing it for that and for Sami's step sister Tasmin who also committed suicide.

“I am hoping to raise £1,000 if I can.”

Samantha Smith, from Burton Bradstock said: “I chose this charity, after losing two very close young relatives in a very short space of time, both to suicide. Young Minds offers help and support to young people who suffer depression and other mental health illnesses. They offer a way out for young children who see no other solution than to turn to self harm or even suicide.”

Anyone who want to contribute to the charity can do so on the viginjustgiving page at ....

An inquest found that Beaminster School sixth former James committed suicide while suffering from depression.

His parents were quick to scotch rumours that his death had anything to do with bullying.

They were touched by the support of friends, family and the community who rallied round to help.

Even now, said Mrs Thorner, friends were still helping - a customer of Clive's, who runs CT Motorcycles in Barrack Street, Bridport, just turned up one day with a new sign for the business.