Parents call for an end to bullying after 12 year old daughter's suicide
Charley Ann Patterson took her own life last week after being bullied at school.
The parents of a 12-year-old who took her own life last week have called for people to be kind and end bullying.
Paul and Jay Patterson from Cramlington, near Newcastle-Upon Tyne found their 12-year old daughter Charley Ann unresponsive in her room last Thursday.
They told us she had been bullied at school and had been suffering with her mental health.
The true impact of bullying
Both Paul and Jay say they want lessons to be learned from Charley's death:
"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 part of Charley's legacy they want the true impact of bullying to be highlighted to young people.
They spoke to our sister station Metro Radio:
"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 their 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."
"A happy kid with an infectious laugh"
Charley's parents said she had aspirations of being a zoologist as she had a huge love of animals and 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 further funds that get raised will be donated to Tiny Lives at Newcastle Hospital. The charity support and care for premature and sick children.
Her mother Jay told us why:
"Charley was premature and without them we wouldn't have had her in our lives."
Where to go for help
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.