Beth
Didn't get to celebrate her 18th birthday
My daughter, Beth, didn't get to celebrate her 18th birthday. Beth lived her life to the max, and it was always full of fun, laughter, family, friends, dance music and lots of singing. Beth's family and friends were hugely important to her. She was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. She was a loyal friend to many, and a fierce supporter of the underdog, always going out of her way to include everyone in whatever she was doing.
I have a million precious memories of Beth that I keep tucked away. I remember one night she was singing in a local pub. It was noisy with people talking and laughing out for a drink and enjoying themselves as Beth started to sing, the whole pub gradually fell silent and people started to get their phones out to record her. By the end of their song, they were on their feet, clapping and cheering. I was so proud of her then, and I'm so proud of her always.
I hope this campaign will help to prevent another precious young life being lost to suicide, and that their family will be spared the heartbreak that is a missed birthday. We need to have open and honest conversations with our young people and debunk the myth that talking about suicide puts the idea in a person's head because it doesn't talking about suicide saves lives. Get some training, if you can, and use the resources and materials available to help you. For example, the calm care kit. Reach out, talk and if needed, seek professional help, we can save lives.
