Jenna legacy develops into a real lifeline Family boost too as another £ 5,500 raised
The happy scene is The Marine Hotel in Troon, 125 people in their finest ready for a great dancing party.
And what a song, Ed Sheeran’s ‘ What Do I Know?’ bravely delivered by nine- yearold Sophie. Her older sister Jenna Moriarty took her own life five years ago. In the prior six months, bubbly Jenna, 13, became withdrawn as teenage issues ate away at her. On the day she died, she’d been at school as normal - nearing the end of second year - with no obvious sign about what she was going to do. Last Saturday night, Jenna’s mum Pauline and wee sister Sophie put on their party frocks and helped ensure everyone had a great night. And Pauline, 49, said: “This would have been Jenna’s 18th birthday year. The night was emotional and simply beautiful. “Some people said they had felt Jenna’s presence and I hope she would have been proud.” Pauline made a presentation about the Beautiful Inside and Out charity now doing such great life- saving work and which she founded a year after Jenna’s death. A total of £ 5,420 was raised from the night, all to help vulnerable young people, including an auction with a big glossy Steven Brown canvas and £ 500 voucher from Troon business Scottish Laser and Beauty. The day after the fundraiser, the charity were called in to give “practical and emotional support” to four people. As will as offering a listening ear to those on the brink, it can also help bereaved families if the worst happens. Pauline, said: “We raise money then we spend it, things are ongoing. “We organise counselling and music therapy in nurture groups at schools in South Ayrshire. “There is also play therapy primarily for younger siblings of suicide victims and drama therapy. “Even if we help save one life, that will be Jenna’s legacy.” Mum Pauline told her daughter she was “beautiful inside and out” just two days before her death. That is what she would later call the charity that now offers hope from despair. Pauline, originally from Ayr, is a teacher at Barassie Primary and her daughter Sophie attends St Patrick’s Primary in Troon. Her world changed forever when Jenna, who went to school in Kilmarnock, was found dead by her step- dad David Henderson in the family home on June 11, 2013. She added: “The charity is getting bigger and bigger and we have counsellors as far away as Inverness. “Jenna had said to me she felt she no longer had a voice. This is now her voice and hopefully it can raise awareness of mental health and trying to get the message over that life is worth living. “There were too many gaps in the system for Jenna and after she died for us.” * Individuals can contact the Beautiful Inside and Out charity through the Facebook page, beautifulinsideandoutscio@gmail.com or 07984 328808