Bridlington man speaks out after the suicide of his teenage daughter
Chelsea Blue took her own life earlier this year.
A man from Bridlington's raising awareness about young people's mental health, after his daughter took her own life earlier this year.
Chelsea Blue's dad, Steve Blackford, says she was 17 when it happened and she'd been suffering from eating disorders since she was 14.
Steve says we need to be aware of our own mental health and that of others and the importance of talking about it.
He said:
"Unfortunately, in April, our daughter Chelsea Blue, aged 17, lost her battle with mental health and took her own life while in a psychiatric hospital in Sheffield.
"She started with a eating disorder, which soon escalated into anorexia which led to her being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. We found people on her phone from Instagram telling her how to make herself anorexic.
"When Covid came, which restricted us from having visits, her mental health became even worse.
"We as a family are doing some fundraising events in the memory of our Chelsea Blue. We are raising money for the local clubs that she enjoyed - Bridlington Gymnastics Club, The Performing Arts clubs and New Pasture Lane School.
"Chelsea was at the gymnastics club for over 7 years, winning and competing in lots of competitions and shows.
"She also loved to sing and dance and even sang a solo with The Military Wives when younger.
"We are getting lots of sponsors and donations already.
"I’m constantly trying to do what I can to do as much as possible to honour Chelsea.
"On the 31st of this month myself, my other daughter Stevie, aged 16 and my little sister Elizabeth, aged 17, are doing a skydive in memory of Chelsea. And I’m trying to get as much help as possible from everyone..
"Chelsea Blue was named after the football club and we are getting some support from them Some signed merchandise to be able to put up for raffle or auction to help raise money.
"Chelsea loved to sing and Ruth Kelly from Scarborough is donating some money off her new song that she’s releasing.
Chelsea loved singers, including Ed Sheeran, Hrvy, Rachel Platten, Natasha Bedingfield, Ann Marie and Little Mix."
Here is the link to the justgiving page for the fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chelseablue?utm_term=4njexp7GR