Friends of a teenager who died from an overdose are fundraising to support a charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.
Ashleigh Bowes was just 14 when she was found dead at home in Macclesfield in 2014.
An inquest concluded that Ashleigh, who suffered from depression, had taken her own life.
Now her close friends Ciara Montgomery, Sarah Hilton Watts and Ellie Banks have launched a fundraising drive to support the charity Papyrus, which provides support and education in a bid to reduce suicide in young people.
The trio, who attend Fallibroome Academy, are doubling their charitable efforts by donating 12 inches of their hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which makes wigs for children battling cancer, and giving sponsorship cash to Papyrus.
The haircut will be taking place at Wilson’s Hairdressers on Chester Road on December 8, which would have been Ashleigh’s 17th birthday.
Ciara said: “Ashleigh was a bright and bubbly girl who is missed dearly every single day.
“This year, on what would have been Ashleigh’s 17th birthday, we have decided to cut 12 inches off of our hair and donate it to the Little Princess Trust.
“We are also raising money for Papyrus in the hope that, with raised awareness, stories like Ashleigh’s will become less common.
“Any money donated towards this cause would mean the world to us – but if you haven’t got much to spare that’s okay too. All we ask is that you help to spread awareness of the charity and the life-saving work they do.
“We want to spread awareness and help reduce the stigma around suicide and mental health.”
Ashleigh’s mum Sue will be at the haircut to support the girls.
She said: “It’s wonderful that the girls are doing this for two charities. The fact they’ve chosen what would have been Ashleigh’s 17th birthday really keeps her memory alive.
“It is so important that we talk about mental health issues in young people, who are more likely to confide in their friends than family first, and make them aware of charities like Papyrus who offer support and advice.”
So far they have raised more than £1,700. To donate search Ciara&Sarah&Ellie at www.justgiving.com .
