A TEEN from Ringwood has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of her brother who ended his life two years ago aged just 23.

Hannah Sherborne, 16, was joined by dad, James, 52, to take on the challenge from August 3 to 9 to raise funds for Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide in tribute to brother, Sam, who died at home in 2013.

They were joined by James's friend, Rupert Welch, to climb the mountain, reaching the summit the day before what would have been Sam's 25 birthday.

Hannah's proud mum, Nadine, said: "It's something that Hannah decided that she wanted to do in memory of her brother.

"She's very focused and very determined so she is always happy to take on challenges. It wasn't easy, but they did it."

Speaking about the family's very personal link to Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide, Nadine added: "Sam's death was very unexpected. He had no previous history of mental health issues, nor had he ever spoken of taking his own life.

"We want to raise awareness of suicide, particularly in men, in the hope that another family doesn't have to go through what we have.

"Papyrus has been set up for the prevention of young suicide and we obviously feel very strongly about it."

Asked what advice she would give to somebody troubled by suicidal thoughts, she said: "I would say don't do it. They must seek help. It is a big issue with young teenage men. They don't want to ask.

"But everything can be solved. If you don't tell us, then you will bottle it up. We had no idea that Sam was struggling. We thought that he was a normal 23-year-old going through normal 23-year-old's struggles."

Nadine said that Prince William had spoken out on the same day that Hannah, James and Rupert reached Kilimanjaro's summit about his support of mental health services.

"It is so poignant as Prince William said that he wants to do as much as he can to help mental health charities. It is such a big problem and it is nice that Prince William is going to get behind it."

For more information, go to Justgiving.com/Hannah-Sherborne