UPDATE:
A discussion of the tragic death of 14-year-old Amy “Dolly” Everett, who took her own life after relentless cyberbullying, brought The Project panel to tears on Thursday night.
The Channel 10 hosts paid tribute to Dolly’s life, highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying and broadcast an anti-bullying video filmed by an Australian station hand which has since gone viral.
At the conclusion of the piece, hosts Liz Ellis and Gorgi Coghlan were moved to tears.
“It is so sad that a family has to go through this,” a teary Ellis declared. An emotional Hamish McDonald added that the impact and legacy of Dolly’s tragic story was “incredibly moving”.
As ABC News reports, Dolly’s family are launching a trust called ‘Dolly’s Dream’ to shine a spotlight on bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide.
Today, the Northern Territory teenager’s parents revealed the depths of her struggle with bullying and sadness by releasing a copy of the final drawing she made before her death on January 3.
“Before Dolly died, she completed a drawing and wrote the words, ‘stand up, speak even if your voice shakes’,” her family said in a statement.
“This powerful message tells the dark, scary place our beautiful angel had travelled to.
“We are not concerned with the who or the why of who pushed our daughter to this point, we just want to save another family going through the sadness and tragedy that our family is experiencing.”
Dolly has been remembered by millions as the face of Akubra hats when she was a child.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post shared on Sunday, Dolly’s father spoke out about losing his daughter.
“This week has been an example of how social media should be used, it has also been an example of how it shouldn’t be,” Tick Everett wrote.
“If we can help other precious lives from being lost and the suffering of so many, then Doll’s life will not be wasted. I know for some suicide is considered cowerdly but I guarantee those people wouldn’t have half the strength that my precious little angel had, Doll had the strength to do what she thought she had to do to escape the evil in this world.
“However unfortunately Dolly will never know the great pain and emptiness left behind.”
As news.com.au reports, a funeral service for Dolly will be held on Friday in Casurina St Primary School in Katherine East.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline for 24/7 support on 13 11 14 or visit the website at lifeline.org.au. If it’s an emergency, call 000.
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