A grief-stricken pair have raised over £4,000 through just two events to help tackle post-natal psychosis that killed their childhood friend.
Former Shelley High School pupil Kerstin and her husband Stephen Botham said the £4,370 donations went ‘far beyond’ their expectations after they launched their campaign in memory of Rosy Hinchliffe.
She died in a fall from cliffs at Whitby after giving birth and was thought to be suffering from post-partum psychosis.
Setting up their Just Giving page in May following an inquest into her death, which occurred on November 3, 2013, funds rocketed to more than eight times their original aim after the pair organised a charity fun day at the Clothiers Arms in Stocksmoor and took part in a gruelling North West Triathlon relay with their friend, Jen Ritchie, earlier this month.
Kerstin, who met Boothtown resident, Rosy, at 6th form college 13 years ago, said: “The amount we’ve raised was far beyond our expectations of £500, which we weren’t sure if we’d manage to raise-the support we’ve received has been incredible and we’re very pleased.
“People grieve in different ways and when Rosy died we thought that rather than sit and mope we’d do something positive to help spread the word about the condition and raise some money.”
They will give the money to Action on Post-Partum Psychosis, the charity campaigning for more research into the condition.
Rosy was just 28 when she lost her life six days after giving birth to her daughter, Laney and was due to be a bridesmaid at Kerstin and Stephen’s wedding on November 9 last year.
She is thought to be one of thousands of women affected by the devastating condition each year, which can lead to mania, depression, delusions and hallucinations, some of which can have fatal consequences.
The pair now plan to take a break from fundraising for a while but are still determined to tell more new and expectant mums and their families about how they get help.
Speaking about Rosy’s death, Stephen said: “We could not believe that more could not have been done to help Rosy in her hour of need.
“It comes down to awareness at all levels. Knowing the signs, what to do and where to get help is imperative to getting through Postpartum Psychosis, which is a condition that is treatable.”
More donations are still being accepted through their fund-raising site and they hope to give the charity the money at the end of the year.
To make a donation, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/TriActionPP/4
