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In the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy, life seems to guide us down unforeseen paths, leading us towards destinations we never envisioned. This was the case for me when I found myself contemplating a charity run, a concept that was originally Sophie’s brainchild. Sophie’s aspiration was to partake in a 10k charity run this year to raise money for people going through tough time, a testament to her compassion and kindness. Now that she won’t be able to achieve this goal in person; it is in her memory that I will take her place at the start line.

Sophie had shared with me her plans for the run, providing me with all the necessary details and seeking my input. As a mother, it filled my heart with immense pride to see Sophie willing to undertake such a physically challenging task, not for her own benefit, but to help others.

Even now, I grapple with the reality that Sophie won’t be the one to take on this challenge, a task I know she would have poured her heart and soul into. There would have been no half-hearted attempts from her. I always told Sophie, “If something is worth doing, then you need to give it your all,” and she lived by this motto.

Now, we find ourselves stepping up to this challenge in Sophie’s honour. I like to believe that she’s watching over us, witnessing the incredible wave of support that’s been generated. This was her initiative, her dream. Yes, we’ve made the posters and set up a GoFundMe page, but all this support, it’s for Sophie, in memory of Sophie.

The overwhelming amount of donations is a testament to Sophie’s initial vision. She planted this seed of kindness and now, it’s blossoming beautifully. This is Sophie’s legacy, and we’re here to ensure it continues to flourish.


sort and sweet one today.... no real direction, today is full of confusion and questions.


Hi Everyone,


I've not written for a little while, because I've not been very strong. From the outside I might look like I'm doing alright, but on my own it's a totally different story.


I have tried to distract myself from the pain by immersing myself in work, launching a new venture, continuing my further education, and supporting mental health and homeless causes. But nothing can erase the memory of that night. I still see everything in my mind as if it happened yesterday. I witnessed things that no parents should ever have to see. I replay every moment, wondering what I could have done differently. What if I had acted sooner? Was it inevitable? What if that phone call had never come? Or if I had picked up the phone instead of Sophie? These are questions that haunt me, but I will never find the answers.


I have 19 years of memories with my beautiful daughter, but I want more. I want to see her grow and flourish, to finish her degree, to graduate with pride, to chase her dreams, to find her happiness, to get married, to have children. I want to do all the things we had planned and dreamed of, especially the ones we talked about on her final day. But now I have to do them without her, in her memory. I will have to visit the theatre to watch the shows she loved, go on the girlie holidays we discussed, chase the sunsets we admired, attend the festivals we dreamed of, without my baby girl. Somehow, I have to learn to live without her, knowing that I will never see her again, never hug her, never talk to her, never hear her beautiful voice, never witness her build the life she deserved.


Music used to comfort me in the beginning, when I still hoped she would come back. We had so many songs that we loved and sang together, songs that reminded me of her smile, her laugh, her spirit. But now they only hurt me, they only remind me of what I have lost. I can’t bear to listen to them, to face the truth that she is gone forever. She is not on a trip with no phone reception, she is not coming home. I can only hope she is in a better place, a place where she is happy and free. Of course, I don’t know what happens when we die, but I do know that I miss her more than words can say.


Updated: Oct 15, 2023

World Mental Health Day, is observed on October 10th, it is an international initiative dedicated to promoting global mental health education, raising awareness, and combating social stigma associated with mental health issues. This important day was first established in 1992, thanks to the efforts of the World Federation for Mental Health, a worldwide organisation with members and connections in over 150 countries. The World Health Organisation advises that mental health is a basic human right for all individuals, with everyone having a right to the most attainable standard of mental health.

Here are some common signs of a person struggling with their mental health:

-feeling sad or down

-confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate

-excessive fears or worries, or extreme feeling of guilt

-extreme mood changes of highs and lows

-withdrawal from friends and activities -significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping


What if someone I know feels suicidal? It can be very distressing if you are worried about someone who feels suicidal. They may have talked about wanting to end their life, or you may be concerned that they are thinking about it. You might feel unsure of what to do, but there are lots of things that might help. You could:

  • encourage them to talk about their feelings

  • encourage them to seek treatment and support

  • offer emotional support

  • offer practical support

  • help them think of ideas for self help

  • help them to make a support plan

The main aspect of supporting someone through this is compassion, listening and most importantly not over-reacting or becoming upset. Remaining calm and situation through is extremely important.



Where to get support

PAPYRUS is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional well being; we are proud to support World Mental Health Day and aim to make suicide, mental health and emotional well being a priority every day of the year.

The importance of starting safe conversations about suicide, mental health and emotional well being is vital, as suicide remains the biggest killer of under 35's in the UK.


Mind

Workplace support

Some workplaces offer free access to support services such as talking therapies. This is called an Employee Assistance Programme.


Peer support

Peer support brings together people with similar experiences. Your peers can:

  • support you and listen to how you're feeling

  • offer empathy and understanding

  • share experiences, information, suggestions for self-care and support options.

Friends, family, carers and neighbours

Sometimes it can help to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. They could:

  • help you to find information

  • discuss your options with you

  • come with you to appointments

  • help out with everyday tasks

  • give encouragement and support trained therapist

Trained therapists and counsellors

provide a range of different therapies through the NHS, for which your doctor could refer you (known as secondary care). In some cases you might be able to contact them directly.


Your doctor (GP)

For many of us, our local GP practice is the first place we go when we're unwell (known as primary care). Your doctor is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.


Charities that offer help will mental health

Mind - Mind Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm) Website: www.mind.org.uk


Papyrus - PAPYRUS Young suicide prevention society.

Telephone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (9 am to midnight, every day of the year) Website: www.papyrus-uk.org


YoungMinds -Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.

Telephone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm) Website: www.youngminds.org.uk/


Samaritans - Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Telephone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) Website: www.samaritans.org/


The Big Issue


CALM - CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5 pm to midnight) Website: www.thecalmzone.net


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