The parents of a teenager who took her own life have thanked the people of Tavistock for helping raise more than £6,000 to support those bereaved by suicide.

More than 100 people enjoyed a gala evening (including plant bingo, raffle and auction) on October 1, at Tavistock Town Hall event, in aid of Suicide & Co. The event was staged in memory of Darcy Hollinson who took her life aged 17, in April, 2021, after a mental health battle exacerbated by the covid pandemic.

The funds raised by ‘Team Darcy’ (her family and friends) will support Suicide&Co’s work with people facing challenges after loss to suicide.

Eve Smith, of Suicide & Co, told guests about its bereavement support (including counselling).

Darcy’s mother Debbie said: “We honoured Darcy’s life and encouraged everyone present to seek support for their own mental health when needed and to continue raising awareness around suicide prevention.”

Losing Darcy has been devastating for her family and friends.

Darcy’s father Michael said: “It is very easy, when somebody dies by suicide, for the way they died to somehow become bigger than the life they lived. Darcy was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her.

“She had plans, ideas, ambitions and all the ordinary uncertainty that comes with being young and wondering where life might take you. She had countless dreams. Some serious and some probably changing from one week to the next. But that is what being young should be.

“You should be able to imagine different versions of your future. To wonder who you might become, where you might go, who you might meet and what adventures might still be waiting for you.”

Debbie and Michael are preparing to set off on a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert on Saturday, November 21, in Darcy’s memory to raise funds for Suicide & Co and awareness to help prevent young suicide and to support those affected.

The last holiday Darcy shared with her dad was a trip to Marrakech for her sixteenth birthday. Returning will be emotional, say her parents.

Team Darcy hopes to raise £50,000, with more than £34,000 already donated. The campaign aims to fund vital services, encourage responsible conversations about suicide and make reliable sources of support more widely known.

The Sahara trek is a ‘memorial’, a ‘demanding challenge’ and a practical commitment to help others. Her family will ‘carry Darcy's memory across every kilometre’ and hope Tavistock will support them by donating or sharing their campaign.

Follow ‘Team Darcy - 100km Across the Sahara Desert’ on Facebook and Instagram for event details and updates. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/100km-sahara-trek-one-step-at-a-time.

Team Darcy events create opportunities to talk openly and safely about suicide prevention, ensuring young people and those concerned about them know where to turn.

The couple said: “People think suicide is a single event. For families and communities left behind, it becomes part of everyday life that follows.

“Our campaign continues to encourage openness, hope and help-seeking before a life is lost. Every donation brings us closer to our fundraising target and closer to making sure no family faces their worst possible moments alone.”