The parents of a Devon teenager who tragically took her own life in 2021 are campaigning tirelessly to encourage open dialogue around mental health struggles, describing the profound loss as akin to 'a bomb going off' within the family. Michael and Debbie Hollinson, from Tavistock, lost their youngest daughter, Darcy, when she was just 17 years old, mere months before she was due to complete her first year of A-levels.
Debbie Hollinson articulated the devastating impact of their loss, stating, 'Everything you thought was in your future disappears.' Her husband, Michael, urged the public to 'have the conversations with your loved ones because I'm hoping they might see there's a life to live beyond these mental health issues.' The couple fondly recalled Darcy as a confident and ambitious teenager with varied aspirations, who at different times wanted to be an archaeologist, a dentist, or a lawyer, before 'all of that wonder and joy stopped.'
The Hollinsons highlighted the societal discomfort surrounding discussions of suicide, noting that many people avoid the topic or struggle to know what to say. Michael emphasised the importance of speaking out, stating, 'We can't just have a world where Darcy's just been erased.' He also revealed his own past battle with mental health issues and a suicide attempt when he was younger, expressing a wish that he had shared this experience with Darcy, believing it might have offered her perspective that difficult periods are often temporary.
In a poignant tribute to Darcy and to raise vital awareness and funds, Michael and Debbie are set to embark on a challenging 62-mile (100km) trek across the Sahara Desert in November. This particular location holds special significance, as it was where Michael and Darcy shared a hot air balloon ride for her 16th birthday. They aim to raise £100,000 for Papyrus, a charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, and have invited others to join them on the five-day journey.
Debbie underscored the broader objective beyond fundraising, explaining, 'It's not just about raising the money, it's about creating awareness, breaking down the stigma of suicide because nobody likes to talk about it.' She described Darcy as an 'unforgettable girl' and expressed her determination to ensure that no other family endures the 'so painful' experience they are living. Michael added that while suicide often focuses on one individual, its ripple effect impacts 'hundreds of thousands of people' to varying degrees.