Bereaved Bath parents distressed by closure of charity that supported them through devastating grief

Parents Andy and Esther Newton, from Bath, have expressed deep distress following the sudden closure of Papyrus, a national suicide prevention charity that supported them after the tragic loss of their daughter Poppy. Poppy was just 16 when she died by suicide in March 2021.

Each year, the Newton family organises the ‘Walk for Poppy’ in Bath to commemorate her life and raise funds to aid Papyrus’s vital work supporting young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. This year, the walk raised nearly £1,000.

However, last week Papyrus announced it was entering administration, leaving Andy and Esther uncertain about the fate of the funds they had raised. Andy, 52, described the news as “a real shock for many,” unfolding with alarming speed.

Supporting Papyrus through their fundraising efforts provided the Newton family with a meaningful way to channel their grief in the years following Poppy’s death. “It was truly valuable for us to help other young people facing similar challenges,” Andy reflected.

Poppy is remembered by her father as a lively, creative and popular girl with a love of painting. She grew up in Bath as one of four children, attending Newbridge Primary School and later Saint Gregory’s Catholic College in Odd Down.

Although Poppy was generally happy during her early years, she faced severe mental health struggles beginning at age 15, including multiple suicide attempts. By Christmas 2020, she seemed to be improving and even suggested celebrating a year since one of her darkest periods with baking a cake.

Tragically, in March 2021, Poppy died by suicide. Andy believes there was no single cause, but contributing factors may have included pressures from social media and the enduring effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “Some people, like Poppy, become suicidal without an obvious trigger,” he noted.

The loss has profoundly affected the Newton family, with Poppy’s siblings, now aged 26, 24 and 19, coping with their immeasurable grief. Andy praised their resilience but acknowledged that they have been irrevocably changed.

The annual Walk for Poppy, held at St Gregory’s and continuing to Monkton Village Hall, has brought together friends, family and community members, providing an opportunity to remember Poppy and foster connection among those affected by loss or mental health challenges.

Funds raised have supported Papyrus’s mission to assist more young people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Despite the charity’s recent administration announcement, the family proceeded with this year’s walk on 12 September.

“Organising the walk allows us to channel our pain into something positive,” Andy explained.

A spokesperson for Papyrus confirmed the charity ceased operations on 8 September. Joint administrators from Opus Restructuring & Insolvency have been appointed to oversee an orderly wind down. The spokesperson said, “For nearly 30 years, Papyrus dedicated itself to preventing young suicide and supporting vulnerable young people, families, and professionals nationwide. We are immensely proud of that legacy and grateful to all staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters and fundraisers who contributed.”

The appointed administrators will carefully review the charity’s remaining funds to determine their status and appropriate allocation, including considerations of any ringfenced or trust-held monies.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is encouraged to contact NHS 111, or dial 999 in an emergency.