Patricia Stewart and Jodie Fitzgerald’s mission to honour Corrine Lee-Cheu and stop teen suicides

A youth suicide prevention foundation is stopping teens from taking the lives, the founders say, after a girl reached out for help after the tragic death of her friend.

A youth suicide prevention foundation is stopping teens from taking the lives, the founders say, after a girl reached out for help after the tragic death of her friend.

The group was formed following the death of 13-year-old Corrine (Kinny) Lee-Cheu who took her life in September 2023 after she was sent a series of vulgar messages on social media and bullied at school.

Her family formed Corrine’s One More Light Foundation to raise awareness about mental health and cyber-bullying and encourage young people to “speak out loud, even if your voice trembles”.

Kinny’s grandmother, Patricia Stewart, said she was determined to ensure no family had to endure the pain of losing a child to suicide.

“A young girl reached out to us after losing a friend to suicide, telling her mum she wanted to get help,” Ms Stewart said.

“That’s exactly what we’re aiming for, making sure kids know there’s always help out there when they need it.”

Family of Corrine Lee Cheu, mum Jodie Fitzgerald and baby brother Liam Lee Cheu, brother Tristin Lee Cheu. Picture: Brian Cassey

The family bravely shared their daughter’s story with the Cairns Post in October last year.

They were later featured in a national documentary by the Sunday Telegraph called Charlotte’s Wish, which highlighted the toxic bullying spanning from schoolyards to bedrooms across Australia.

Since sharing Kinny’s story, Ms Stewart said the impact had been remarkable.

“One of the most incredible things to happen is the support we’ve received,” she said.

“It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. We’re starting to make real progress and I know Kinny would be so proud of all of this,” she said.

The foundations has also raised nearly $10,000 in funding for vital resources like small school grants, awareness signs and stickers.

“These $250 grants will help children transitioning from grade 6 to 7 with things like school books, clothing, and fees,” Ms Stewart said.

“But they can really use it for whatever they need or want.”

Queensland teenager Corrine Lee-Cheu (left) took her own life in September 2023 leaving behind her loving and heartbroken family. Corrine Lee-Cheu pictured with siblings Tristin, Damian, Liam and Sienna. Photo: Denim & Lace Photography.

“We were really surprised when Atherton State High School recently got involved,” Ms Stewart said.

“They’ve allowed us to put up signs around the campus, which is a huge step in the right direction.”

The positive developments at the school where Kinny was a student before her death have been described a “big step forward”.

“It’s been a long time coming, and we’re incredibly grateful they’ve jumped on board.”

Mother Jodie Fitzgerald standing with ‘nanny’ Patricia Stewart holding, while holding her daughter's ashes inside a pink and purple butterfly urn. Picture: DTTV Still

Another major win came when country music singer Amber Lawrence was named the ambassador for Corrine’s foundation.

“She reached out to us wanting to help and we’ve seen so many people get on board since,” Ms Stewart said.

Amber Lawrence, a six time Golden Guitar winner, said she it was important for her to be involved.

“I hope that as an ambassador I am able to shine a light on this cause and let the young people in my audience know there is help, and they are not alone,” she said.

An Education Department spokesman confirmed Atherton State High School consulted with Kinny’s family.

“Atherton State High School displayed posters throughout the school and on notice boards in 2024 promoting student wellbeing and the available supports

for young people locally, as well as broader external support options,” he said.

“The school will continue to promote support services for students and to work with Corinne’s family and Corrine’s One More Light Foundation to honour her memory.”

The federal government committed to banning social media use for children following News Corp’s Let Them Be Kids Campaign last year.

Originally published as Patricia Stewart and Jodie Fitzgerald’s mission to honour Corrine Lee-Cheu and stop teen suicides