Charity Reg No.: 1208999

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Stephanie, our 19 year old daughter / sister / friend lost her life in August 2016, whilst in the care of mental health hospital services.

Stephanie was a bright and popular young person, who lived life to the full; she had a good sense of humour and a passion for music; she was a keen sports person, and a regular volunteer helping in school and community activities; she was described in the sixth form as a role model for younger pupils. During the sixth form, Stephanie started to develop anxiety and body image issues. We sought early help from NHS mental health services, in the hope of supporting her safely through this period of her life. Instead, her two year experience of mental health services resulted in the escalation of her risks, and her unexpected death during a hospital admission, 125 miles from home.

Losing Stephanie, especially in such traumatic circumstances, was devastating for our family. It remains a challenging time for us… we miss Stephanie every day… but we aim to use what’s been learned from our experience to help prevent other young people and their families from suffering in the same way.

The mental health of young people has been a growing problem in the 21st century, with emotional disorders affecting 1 in 4 girls aged 17-19 (2017). Suicide remains the most common cause of death in people under the age of 35. Much good work is already being done in this area, but there's a long way to go in protecting the lives and wellbeing of young people.

The In Memory of Stephanie (IMOSteph) Charitable Trust fundraises to support research, education and other projects aimed at improving the care and support of young people with or at risk of mental health problems and/or self-harm, whether known to mental health services or not. 

We started actively fundraising in May 2019, with Doug participating in the 100 mile Birmingham Velo and Lauren doing the Great Manchester Half-Marathon on what would have been Stephanie's 22nd birthday. To date, May 2026, we have raised approximately half of the £100,000 target we initially set. Our aim is to donate annually between £ 5,000 and £ 10,000, and have so far donated over £ 40,000. 

We are very grateful for your support and all donations received.

Thank you,

IMOSteph Trustees

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