The parents of Amy “Dolly” Everett will set up a trust fund to raise awareness of youth suicide in their beloved daughter’s honour.
The 14-year-old Northern Territory girl, who was previously the face of Akubra Hats, took her own life after being bullied online.
Dolly Everett. Source: Facebook
The teen, who was affectionately known as Dolly, died on 3 January. Her devastated family released the following statement:
“Firstly, we would like to thank the whole community for the overwhelming response we have received since our world came crashing down around us when our beautiful Dolly left our family. May we please ask for some time to celebrate the life of our much-loved daughter Dolly.
“Out of all the sadness that the loss of our daughter has brought to our lives, we feel that through losing Dolly we would like to help other families by making an awareness of bullying and harassment that some people are sadly subject to.”
“Before Dolly died, she completed a drawing and wrote the words, ‘stand up, speak even if your voice shakes’. This powerful message tells the dark, scary place our beautiful angel had travelled to.
“We are not concerned with the who or the why of who pushed our daughter to this point, we just want to save another family going through the sadness and tragedy that our family is experiencing.”
Dolly(r), pictured with her sister Meg, mother Kate and father Tick.
Her father, Tick Everett previously posted an emotional tribute to Facebook revealing Dolly had been subjected to “constant bullying and harassment” online.
“This week has been an example of how social media should be used, it has also been an example of how it shouldn’t be,” he wrote.
“If we can help other precious lives from being lost and the suffering of so many, then Doll’s life will not be wasted.”
Mr Everett also condemned those who bulled his daughter, telling them to come to her memorial to “witness the complete devastation you have created.”
Mr Everett’s Facebook post.
The father from Katherine in the NT urged anyone who’s suffering to speak up, adding Dolly’s own motto “Speak now, even if your voice shakes”.
Akubra Hats also posted a tribute to Dolly online and changed their profile picture to Dolly modelling one of their iconic hats eight years ago.
Dolly’s funeral will take place this Friday and her family have requested mourners wear her favourite colour – blue.
Our deepest condolences go out to Dolly’s family and loved ones.
If you or anyone you know is suffering, please contact Lifeline (lifeline.org.au) on 1311 14 or visit Headspace at (headspace.org.au). Visit Beyond Blue at (beyondblue.org.au) or call 1300 22 4636. You can also contact the Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800.
