Bravely tackling an unspoken taboo...
FAMILY HIT BY DOUBLE SUICIDE TRAGEDY
BRAVE Faye Turner was just a teenager when she lost two of the most important men in her life. Faye was in school when she was told her grandad Norman had taken his own life. Following the loss, her dad Martin ended his life only four years later at the age of just 47. Now, Faye is courageously sharing the trauma of her experience with suicide in an effort to help others and further the discussion on mental health. She said: “I just want people who are suffering with mental health issues to speak to someone, even if it is a stranger, or a friend, because talking can definitely help. “I hope the stigma around mental health will dwindle out and people will realise it is an illness and not a choice.” It was in 2007 that Faye was told her grandad had passed away. Now 24, she admits her lack of awareness of mental health issues at the time affected her understanding of what had happened. Faye added: “I do still remember the day and how it hit my family massively – it was such an awful day. I think out of everyone it hit my dad and nana the most. “My dad was really close to him and, in ways, I think he blamed himself.” Tragically for Faye, she lost another loved one to suicide when dad Martin took his own life in February 2011. More than seven years on from losing her father, the 24-yearold says his death still does not feel “real” and continues to cast a shadow over her life. Faye said: “His death has had a mas-
sive impact on my family and my close friends as he was loved by everyone – he is a huge miss.
“My dad was always joking around and always made people laugh. It sometimes still doesn’t seem real and I expect him to walk through the front door and shout hello like he used to.
“It was the worst time of my life. You can’t ever prepare yourself for the devastation, and asking ‘why?.’” Now, Faye wants to channel the pain of her family’s experience to help others by sharing her story and fundraising on behalf of mental health charity MIND.
Together with friend Monique Hasney, the pair raised almost £1,200 for the charity with a skydive on June 10.
And Faye hopes telling Martin and Norman’s stories will help others struggling in their darkest hours.
She added: “There are loads of amazing charities such as MIND who have loads of free material online which people can look at, and a great support system and helpline. If I can help even one person suffering then I know I have done something amazing.”