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The family of a young teaching assistant who took her own life hope to help other young people access mental health support.
Emilia Marsh was found dead at her home in Boughton, near Faversham on November 3, aged just 20.
Her loved ones are now aiming to raise £50,000 for causes close to her heart.
And if they are able to generate enough, they hope to launch a mental health charity in memory of the “beautiful, sassy, funny, kind and all-round amazing” young woman.
Emilia’s uncle, Adam Fagg, says there is a “huge gap” in local mental health services for adolescents and young adults.
“The massive issue with Millie was that she was really let down at such a vulnerable age,” he said.
“The more people we speak to, the more have been opening up to us that between 17 and being adults, there’s this huge gap they fall through. And they’re super vulnerable. We’d love to do something to help plug that gap where needed.”
Launching the fundraiser, Emilia’s mum Sukina Fagg wrote: “My vow as Millie’s mother is to do everything I can do to make a difference to this area. If we can stop just one other family from experiencing this loss and pain, we will.
“As a family we want to make real, ever-lasting change for families and young people.
“We want to make sure that young people are not left like Millie was, at times when support is most needed and could have made a difference.”
While the charity’s scope has not been determined, it could include funding counselling.
“Whatever we do, we will ensure every penny will make a direct difference to young people,” Sukina added. “Mils I hope I’m doing you proud, I’ll love you forever and some.”
Emilia’s family are also raising money for Dogs Trust Canterbury - where Emilia worked before becoming a teaching assistant at Canterbury Academy earlier this year - and charity Adolescent Mental Health.
“Millie’s biggest passion was dogs,” said her mum.
“Covid has meant that branches have suffered hugely on raising funds. Our ambition will be to make a collective contribution to the Dogs Trust Canterbury that can be in Emilia’s name, as we well as something annually in her memory.”
The fundraiser has so far generated more than £13,400.
To donate, visit the Gofundme appeal.
For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website.
If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here.
