Teenager who took own life ‘was due to study equine science degree’
THE MOTHER of a teenager who planned to study equine science at college before she took her own life is now raising awareness of a charity that aims to prevent suicide among young people.
Neve Stockdale, 18, had just taken her A levels at Crofton High School in Wakefield and was awaiting the results when she died, an inquest heard yesterday.
The teenager, who enjoyed working with horses at her family’s riding stables in the village of Walton, near Wakefield, had applied to do a degree in equine science at Askham Bryan College on the outskirts of York.
Her mother, Wendy Stockdale, found her daughter hanged at the family’s home in Ryhill, near Wakefield, on August 4 last year.
After Neve’s death, her parents found out she had passed all her A levels and had been accepted on the degree course at the college, the inquest was told. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Area Coroner Jonathan Leach recorded a verdict of suicide.
Mrs Stockdale is now raising awareness of a suicide prevention charity, Papyrus, and launched a JustGiving online appeal to raise money and help the organisation following her daughter’s death.
She wrote on the page: “She was the most amazing young woman with everything to live for.”
Mrs Stockdale added: “Papyrus do such important work with their HopelineUK and with their work in schools, we need to stop the stigma and start talking about our mental health.
“I hope to spread awareness and stop this happening to another family.”
Writing on the JustGiving website page, Mrs Stockdale also spoke of the shock of finding her daughter on the day of her death, a day after she was making plans.
She added: “The day before her death she was at the stables with everyone, making plans and enjoying herself.
“The day of her death she had gone to get ready as we were going shopping, seemingly fine, one hour later I found her.”