The family of a young woman who took her own life want to erect a public memorial to her in the hope it will deter others from making the same tragic choice.

Loved ones of Bella Goldsmith are aiming to create a long-lasting legacy to the 22-year-old from Herne Bay, who died in 2023 following a battle with depression.

Her family and friends continue to grieve for the popular and “cheeky” former receptionist.

About £5,000 has since been raised through a GoFundMe appeal, later managed with the help of a special bank account set up by Herne Bay businessman and supporter Dave Cain.

It is paying for a bench and headstone soon to be installed at Herne Bay cemetery.

But now Bella’s younger sister, Maisie, 18, is leading a bid to find a location in the town where a mural, including Bella’s picture and some words and information about mental health support, can be permanently displayed.

The teenager, who lives with mum Zoe and dad Roger in Fleetwood Avenue, remains heartbroken since losing the big sister she adored.

“Bella was very protective of me, but also my best friend, so losing her in such circumstances has been very hard,” she said.

“But, sadly, I know of two others who have also taken their own lives, so it is a real issue.”

Bella had been suffering mental health issues in the lead-up to her death in woodland off Eddington Lane in September last year.

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of grief, with friends and family gathering for a colourful balloon release on the seafront and sharing touching tributes.

A celebration of her life was held at St Martin's Church in Herne, with loved ones sharing memories of Bella and the happiness she brought to those who knew her.

An inquest into her death heard nothing to suggest the GP had done anything but follow proper practice.

But the family believe her mental healthcare was inadequate and she had simply been fobbed off with anti-depressants.

Speaking after the hearing in December, which concluded her death was suicide, her cousin Kim Brett, said: “Bella was surrounded by a loving family and friends but clearly needed professional help, not just anti-depressants and the promise of counselling sometime in the future.”

This week, Maisie told KentOnline: “We want to remember Bella through a memorial which we hope will also encourage anyone else contemplating taking their own lives to stop and think.

“It could carry some words like, ‘It’s a bad day, not a bad life’, which I think is very appropriate.

“There will also be some contact information for mental health and other support services, like The Samaritans.”

Maisie also believes the wall could even include the names of other local young people who have taken their own lives - with their family’s permission - to make an even more powerful statement.

“Right now, our aim is to try and find a quiet public location, perhaps a wall, where we could install the memorial and I would like to hear from anyone who has any suggestions or offers,” she said.

“Our hope is that if it deters anyone from making a tragic decision, then it will have been worth it and be Bella’s legacy.”

Anyone who can help Maisie’s memorial project can email her at maisiegoldsmith22x@gmail.com