Andy and Esther Newton, parents from Bath who tragically lost their 16-year-old daughter Poppy to suicide in March 2021, have voiced their distress after the sudden closure of Papyrus, a national suicide prevention charity for young people, which had supported them through their grief.
Each year, the Newton family organises a commemorative walk in Bath to honour Poppy’s memory and to raise funds for Papyrus. This year, their efforts raised nearly £1,000. However, following last week’s announcement that the charity would be entering administration, Andy Newton understands that the funds they collected may no longer be accessible.
Speaking about the unexpected news, Andy, 52, conveyed how deeply it affected the family and others: “It’s been a real shock for lots of people. It all just happened very, very quickly.”
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The Newtons found solace in raising money for Papyrus, describing the charity’s role as “crucial”. Andy added, “Supporting young people who struggle gave us a sense of purpose in our grief.”
Poppy was remembered by her father as a bubbly, creative, and popular young girl with a passion for painting. Raised in Bath alongside her three siblings, she attended Newbridge Primary School followed by Saint Gregory’s Catholic College in Odd Down.
While Poppy appeared happy throughout much of her childhood, she endured a mental health crisis at 15, including several suicide attempts. By Christmas 2020, she seemed to be recovering and had even talked about celebrating a year since her darkest days by baking a cake. Tragically, she died by suicide in March 2021.
Andy emphasised there was no single cause for Poppy’s death, suggesting multiple factors such as social media pressures and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic played a part. “Some people become suicidal without an obvious trigger; Poppy was one of those,” he said.
The family has been profoundly affected by their loss. “It was just horrendous,” Andy reflected. For Poppy’s siblings, now aged 26, 24, and 19, life has been forever changed. “They’ve done amazingly,” their father added.
Since then, the annual Walk for Poppy has become a meaningful event, drawing both those who knew her and members of the wider community. Participants gather at Saint Gregory’s before walking to Monkton Village Hall for tea and cake, then return. The walk serves as a moment to honour Poppy’s memory and offers comfort to those facing their own challenges.
Funds raised have helped Papyrus extend its support to more young people dealing with suicidal thoughts. Despite the charity entering administration, the Newtons remained committed to holding this year’s walk on 12 September.
“It gives us something positive to do with all the pain,” Andy said.
A spokesperson for Papyrus confirmed the charity went into administration on 8 September, stating: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide and Hopeline24/7 are no longer operating. Joint administrators from Opus Restructuring & Insolvency have been appointed to manage the charity’s affairs and oversee an orderly wind down.”
The charity highlighted its nearly 30 years of work supporting young people, parents, and professionals across the UK, expressing gratitude to all staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, and fundraisers involved.
The administrators have indicated they will review the charity’s funds to determine their allocation, including whether any donations are ringfenced or held in trust for specific purposes.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is advised to contact NHS 111, or in an emergency, call 999 immediately.