Tributes paid to 12 year old girl from Cramlington who took her own life

The parents of a 12-year-old Charley Ann Patterson from Cramlington who took her own life last Thursday have called for people to be kind and end bullying.

Paul and Jay Patterson who found her unresponsive in her room, have said that she had been bullied at school and had been suffering with her mental health. They told us that they want lessons to be learned:

"As much as we're angry and some of the things they told her were completely unforgivable, they are just children. They don't understand the consequences of their actions if they did Charley wouldn't be dead as she would of thought of how hurting her self would of hurt everyone else and she wasn't that type of person."

As part of Charley's legacy they want the true impact of bullying to highlighted to young people:

"People slate each other and it's not just kids it's adults too they seem to think that it's ok and it's not fair. There's too many people who have taken there own lives because of what people have said. Charley's not going to have died for nothing and people need to be aware of what their words can actually do."

They told us how Charley had aspirations of being a zoologist as she had a huge love of animals in particular horses. Her family have said how she had a close friends they want her to be remembered as a "happy kid with an infectious laugh."

A crowdfunding page has also been set up to help the family cover the funeral costs any more funds that get raised will be donated to Tiny Lives at Newcastle RVI. The charity support and care for premature and sick children. Her mother Jay says: "Charley was premature and without them we wouldn't have had her in our lives."

If you're feeling affected by any of the issues in this news story you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.