Family of Amy Everett launching campaign to raise awareness around bullying and depression after loss of daughter

The heartbroken family of a 14-year-old Katherine girl who took her own life after being tormented by online bullies is bravely launching an awareness campaign to save others

The heartbroken family of a 14-year-old Katherine girl who took her own life after being tormented by online bullies is bravely launching an awareness campaign to save others.

Amy Jayne Everett, affectionately known as Dolly, died by suicide on January 3.

In a statement, her father Tick, mum Kate and sister Meg Everett said their world “came crashing down” when Dolly passed away last week.

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

“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.”

The Everetts said their vision was to establish a trust called “Dolly’s Dream” which would help raise awareness around bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide.

“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,” the family said.

Before Dolly died, she sketched a picture of a young woman doing a bend back beneath the words: “Stand up, speak even if your voice shakes”.

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

“Stop Bullying, Be Kind, Do It For Dolly.”

Amy Everett, affectionately known as ‘Dolly’ (far right), with her loving family

Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson said it was inconceivable to her why some people bullied others – with no thought of the impact their actions had on others.

“Dolly Everett was 14 years old, and by all appearances she had everything a young girl could possibly want. Loving parents, a horse, friends,” she posted on Facebook.

“Although I too have lost a son, I can’t imagine the pain, the anguish, and the sadness that Dolly’s family is grappling with today, having lost their beautiful 14 year old daughter to suicide. Here is the face of a young victim of bullying, so tormented by careless words and actions of others that she took her own life.”

Ms Nelson is urging parents to speak to their kids about bullying – and to encourage children to stand up to bullies and bullying.

“And please tell them – it’s not OK to bully, it’s not OK be bullied, and it’s OK to ask for help and support.”

On Tuesday, Mr Everett posted a video on Facebook — urging people to stop bullying and share this photo of his daughter to spread awareness about the issue, using the hashtag #StopBullyingNow.

The post has been liked and shared thousands of times and received hundreds of comments from supporters.

Mr Everett said his daughter was bullied so badly she felt she needed to “escape the evil in this world”.

“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,” Mr Everett wrote on Facebook, in a message also signed by his wife Kate and elder daughter Meg.

“Unfortunately Dolly will never know the great pain and emptiness left behind.”

‘Dolly’ Everett was the former face of Akubra Hats.

Mr Everett also called out his daughter’s bullies directly.

“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 wrote. “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.”

Mr Everett thanked those who had reached out to the family since Dolly’s death and offered their support.

“My deepest condolences to your family. No words will ever ease your pain. A beautiful young lady taken far too soon,” one person wrote.

Another said: “Sending big love, strength & prayers to you all & family. Thinking of you all at this horrible heartbreaking time.”

Dolly was once the face of the iconic Australian hat brand Akubra. The brand has left a tribute to Dolly on its ­social media accounts, supporting the #StopBullyingNow campaign.

“This is not an easy post to write. We were shocked and distressed to hear of the passing of “Dolly” – the young girl many of you will recognise as the face of our past Christmas adverts,” the brand said.

“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. Be a friend, check up on your mates.”

Dolly’s funeral will be held tomorrow at Casuarina St Primary School in Katherine East.

Supporters are encouraged to wear blue, Dolly’s favourite colour, and donate funds to the Dolly’s Dream charity, instead of giving flowers.

If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit Lifeline.org.au