We hear from Kiera’s mother, Dawn, about the importance of talking, fundraising for Mind and the way in which her life changed forever.

Here we are, just over a year since losing Kiera – and so much has happened.

Losing her spurred me on to do things I never thought I could. I started to volunteer in The Children’s Society shop in Midsomer Norton and joined a dance group as well.

I hate to say it, but losing her in a way gave me a life. Having gone through what David and I have, has also helped to save others, as we are not scared to share our experience and talk about it.

Being honest about our experience has been so positive and we’ve met some wonderful people who have become good friends. And, of course, there are also the lovely friends who have always been there and helped us through.

I have made £1,000 for Mind from selling my Kiera Angels at Pickwick’s Country Café and The Works in Wells sold them for me, as did Karen at Out of Asia in Midsomer Norton. I have also given so many out and people said how the Angel helps them.

Terri Oliver, who runs the Ladies Wot Does Dance group I belong to, and the girls have been wonderful. After seeing the previous article in The Journal last year, they bought a lot of Angels and Terri suggested we put on a show. So, on Saturday, 9th April, we held a fundraising event at Norton Hill School. Mr Gordon Green, the Associate Headteacher, was so generous in allowing us the use of the school hall for our event and we also could not have done it without the help of Kiera’s two drama teachers, Mrs Kate Low, who helped with the technical run-through and Mr Steve Bridges, who came and ran the technical stuff on the night.

We made just over £400 to be shared between Mind and Happy Landings Animal Shelter. We would also like to thank Chris Mitchard, Out of Asia, Pickwick’s and The Waldegrave at Chewton Mendip for providing prizes for our raffle.

I suppose that what I’m trying to say is that you really do need to talk. Remember that it’s not only the young who suffer, anyone can at any age. All these people who never even knew Kiera and all the friends she had have been instrumental in trying to make a change and to save other lives. I wonder if she knew how people really thought of her if she would still be with us now. We know of at least one friend who saw her son withdrawing from her and she had the courage to talk to him – and he’s still here.

On a personal level I’d like to thank David for being there for me, the ladies at The Children’s Society, my dance pals and all the friends who have talked, and are still talking – and have supported us.

Dawn Bennett, Kiera’s Mum

There are organisations who can help if you are feeling alone, in crisis or need to talk. Call Samaritans: 116 123, B&NES Wellbeing Service Mental Health Team: 0300 2470203 (option 1), Papyrus for under-35s: 0800 068 41 41.