Messages of support as Lloyd Copper's story inspires

We can not let one mistake diminish the amazing job our committed team of journalists does in covering local issues.

Ryan Forbes is gay and struggles with suicidal thoughts. After reading about Lloyd Copper who took his life recently, inspired him to write and meet Lloyd's family. Picture with Ryan is Mary Copper and Barbara Copper. Picture: Patrick Woods

IT has been a difficult week for everyone at the Sunshine Coast Daily.

There are no excuses. We made a mistake, we suffered the consequences and we apologised.

But we can not let one mistake diminish the amazing job our committed team of journalists does in covering local issues.

Proof of that was highlighted on Wednesday when Eden Boyd, a young reporter only months into her journalism career, brought you the tragic story of gay rights activist Lloyd Copper.

Eden showed tremendous professionalism and empathy to bring to life the struggles Lloyd faced as a young, openly gay man on the Sunshine Coast.

Sadly, his lifelong battle with mental health in the end proved too much and he took his own life.

Since that story was published, Eden and the Daily have been inundated with messages of support and gratitude.

Many are from people who face the same struggles faced by Lloyd, and most spoke about how that story had inspired them to seek help.

Eden's reporting has made a difference in the lives of so many people on the Sunshine Coast.

If it wasn't for Eden, or the Sunshine Coast Daily, they would still be struggling and still not have a voice.