‘Dolly’ Amy Jayne Everett to be farewelled in Katherine

THE family of a 14-year-old girl who committed suicide after relentless bullying have paid tribute to the “caring, beautiful soul” who died trying to “escape the evil in this world”.

• Bullies blamed for Dolly’s death
• The time to act was yesterday

THE family of a 14-year-old girl who committed suicide after relentless bullying have paid tribute to the “caring, beautiful soul” who died trying to “escape the evil in this world”.

The smiling face of an adorable six-year-old Amy Jayne Everett, affectionately known as Dolly, once went around the world as part of the Akubra hats Christmas ad campaign.

Eight years later, Dolly’s picture is once again circulating online but tragically it’s as the face of an anti-bullying campaign started by her heartbroken family and friends who are determined that no other child die at the hands of bullies.

The smiling face of six-year-old Amy Jayne Everett, affectionately known as Dolly, once went around the world as part of the Akubra hats Christmas ad campaign.

Dolly died at a Northern Territory property last Wednesday, just weeks before she was due to return to the Scots PGC College boarding school in Warwick.

Her parents Tick and Kate Everett and sister Meg issued a statement to The Courier-Mail paying tribute to the kind-hearted teen.

“Our daughter Dolly was the kindest, caring, beautiful soul and she was always caring for animals, small children (and) other children at boarding school who were less fortunate than herself,” the statement said.

The Everett family will farewell Dolly at a ceremony in Katherine tomorrow and mourners have been asked to wear blue, Dolly’s favourite colour.

“Out of all the sadness that the loss of our daughter has brought to our lives, we feel that through losing Dolly we would like to help other families by making an awareness of bullying and harassment that some people are sadly subject to,” her family wrote.

Dolly’s family has released a drawing she created before her death and hope another family can be spared the pain they are suffering.

“Our vision is to establish a trust called Dolly’s Dream, through this trust we would hope to raise awareness around bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide.”

Before her death, Dolly finished a drawing with the words “stand up, speak even if your voice shakes”.

“This powerful message tells the dark, scary place our beautiful angel had travelled to,” her family said.

“We are not concerned with the who or the why of who pushed our daughter to this point, we just want to save another family going through the sadness and tragedy that our family is experiencing.”

It’s believed Dolly was subject to an onslaught of bullying both online and in person and her grandmother has taken to social media encouraging parents to check their kids’ phones.

In an emotional online tribute, Mr Everett said his daughter would “never know the great pain and emptiness left behind”.

“If we can help other precious lives from being lost and the suffering of so many, then Doll’s life will not be wasted,” he said.

“I know for some suicide is considered cowardly but I guarantee those people wouldn’t have half the strength that my precious little angel had, Doll had the strength to do what she thought she had to do to escape the evil in this world.”

Amy Everett

Mr Everett challenged bullies to attend his daughter’s funeral service to see the despair they had caused.

“Firstly, if by some chance the people who thought this was a joke and made themselves feel superior by the constant bullying and harassment see this post, please come to our service and witness the complete devastation you have created,” he said.

“The second is for the strong ones. Let’s stop the bullies no matter where, but especially in our kids. As the old saying goes, you will never know what have until it’s gone.”

Akubra paid tribute to Dolly on Facebook and encouraged anyone in crisis to seek help.

“To think that anyone could feel so overwhelmed and that this was their only option is unfathomable,” it said.

“Bullying of any type is unacceptable.

“It is up to us to stand up when we see any kind of bullying behaviour. Dolly could be anyone’s daughter, sister, friend. We need to make sure that anyone in crisis knows there is always someone to talk to.”

Scots PGC College principal Kyle Thompson said the school community was “deeply saddened” by Dolly’s death and that a memorial service would be held early this year to honour her life.

“Dolly will be truly missed and our thoughts and support remain with her family and friends,” Mr Thompson said.

Dolly was due to start back at school at Scots PGC College in just a few weeks. Picture: Georja Ryan

“The college has a number of support services in place, including a team of dedicated counsellors, for any community member who may wish to discuss or seek support.”

Mr Thompson did not confirm whether the school would be investigating the bullying allegations.

“We take our responsibility for the wellbeing of students extremely seriously and have policies and pastoral care structures in place to address any concerns and to support the social and emotional development of our students,” he said.

If you are thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis help is available. No one needs to face their problems alone. Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Originally published as ‘Dolly’ Amy Jayne Everett to be farewelled in Katherine