Colchester Mind fundraiser tops £5k in memory of Kirsty Bell

In her final months, she became adept at concealing her struggles with her mental health from those closest to her.

Close friend Chelsey Killen, 30, speaking following the third anniversary of Kirsty’s death, said: “She had lost her mum at quite a young age to cancer and then after that she struggled for a long time.

“She was trying to do well with that and had ups and downs – but closer to the end we never really knew. She was always bright and happy.

“We were all meant to be going on a girls’ holiday about a month after it happened, she had that to look forward to.

“She was really good at hiding how she was truly feeling.”

Granddaughter, daughter, step-daughter and sister Kirsty, who worked at a property consultant, was described as “a wonderful, amazing and caring person”.

Much missed - Kirsty Bell

HR administrator Chelsey, from Elmstead, wants to share her friend’s story during Mental Health Awareness Month to help others going through a similar struggle.

On Sunday, Chelsey and dozens of supporters put on a family fun day in aid of Mid and North East Essex Mind, raising more than £5,000.

The event, which attracted 400 visitors, was held at Peldon and Wigborough Community Hall.

“My initial target was to raise £1,000,” she said.

“A lot of hard work went into it – Kirsty had a lot of friends who obviously really, really miss her, who were more than happy to jump in and help.”

Planning for the event included a widespread social media campaign and the distribution of 1,000 leaflets.

Fun day - more than 400 visitors attended the fundraiser

Chelsey said: “[Kirsty] would have loved the fact this is going to help other people who may struggle like she did.

“If it literally saves only one person, it will be completely worth it.

“I’ve struggled over the past couple of years since losing Kirsty, I’ve gone through my own therapy, so to have had something like this to focus on has been helpful – to take something tragic and turn it into a positive.”

Loss teaches us harsh lessons.

Chelsey knows just how vital it is for people in crisis to take the initiative and seek help – even if it is with a stranger.

“Before Kirsty I didn’t realise how much Mind did for local people, the local community,” she said.

“I didn’t realise how many different avenues there are to get help.

“I would always say to anyone struggling, the best thing to do is talk about it – tell someone how you are feeling.

“I understand it may be hard to tell people you are close to how you’re feeling.

“These charities are in place because picking up the phone and speaking to someone you might not know can be beneficial – you might feel more comfortable sharing.

“If we’d known the extent of what she was feeling we could have done more.”

She added: “Last year I took the decision to do EDMR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy to help with the trauma from the day and general coping with grief.

“It was the best decision and it has helped me massively.”

To donate to the cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/kirstysfamilyfundraiser.

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You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.co.uk.