The community has rallied around in memory of an Oxford University student who took his own life after an inquest heard he had been "cancelled" by his peers. 

Friends of Alexander Rogers, 20, a Corpus Christi student who died near Donnington Bridge on January 15 this year, have set up JustGiving pages in his memory and ran the Salisbury Plains Marathon in June.

An inquest into the student's death was held at Oxford Coroner's Court over two days last week. 

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Joe and Sophie, close friends of Mr Rogers who grew up with him in Salisbury, said his death has left them confused and grieving.

The pair have been raising funds for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide in Mr Rogers' name, a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people and reduce the number who take their own lives.

They stated: “Alex was undeniably caring. He would fill up a room with his laughs and smiles and brought so much joy to us all.

“A man that lived life to the full, who gave us our favourite stories and memories and whom we miss deeply.

“We know Alex will be with us every step of the way, so we hope to do him proud.”

Their fundraiser has raised more than £6,500 and the pair said it was “an honour” to run for a cause close to their hearts and were grateful for the support.

The runners at the Salisbury Plains marathon in June.The runners at the Salisbury Plains marathon in June. (Image: JustGiving) Another friend, Olivia O’Donnell, completed the Salisbury Plain Half Marathon in his memory, as well.

She said: “To this day, I cannot fathom this loss, and I will forever love him with all my heart. Alex spread joy and held the brightest smile in the room.

“The laughter he spread will never leave us, but at 20 years old, he was taken from us far before his time.”

More than 370 supporters were moved to donate to the fundraisers, with tributes pouring in for the student as well as well-wishes for the runners.

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At an inquest last week, it was heard that Mr Rogers formed the intention to take his own life after being "ostracised" by his peers in college, following an unevidenced allegation against him relating to another student.

The medical cause of death was that Mr Rogers “sustained a severe head injury” after entering the River Thames at Donnington Bridge and the coroner gave a conclusion of suicide.

PAPYRUS offers confidential advice and support to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, which is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35 in the UK.

If you’re affected by the issues in this article, contact Samaritans by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org or visiting samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year.

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