Bullies claimed the life of my 16-year-old sister

When Chantelle Garside took her own life at 16 her devastated family hoped her story would help other teenagers struggling to cope.

On the outside, Chantelle appeared to be fine. She was hoping to start a course in childcare this September, was learning to play the piano and had a world of opportunities ahead of her.

However, those close to her knew better. Chantelle had been tormented by bullies, who taunted her about a birthmark on her face and on April 3 this year she decided there was no other way out and was found hanged in her bedroom.

Following her death, more than 1,000 people joined a Facebook page dedicated to the teenager, many leaving tributes to the girl they knew as a “funny and happy” student. However, in her short life, Chantelle, who was being treated for depression, often felt alone and her family are determined to use the tragedy to raise awareness of the difficulties many adolescents face.

Which is why her brother, Richard Shaw is planning to walk 14 miles in her memory to raise money and awareness for a charity that helps other victims.

The 26-year-old, from Allerton Bywater, who is taking part in the Jane Tomlinson Walk for All in aid of BullyingUK said: “She had been depressed for quite a while and she got to the stage where she didn’t want to go to school anymore, then finally it just got too much for her.

“I don’t want my sister to have died in vain. I want something good to come from this and that’s raising awareness of the damage bullies can do to children and to let people know they don’t have to suffer in silence.”

Chantelle lived in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, with her mother Jane Hector, who speaking after her death said: Chantelle was funny and happy on her good days. She had such a big heart.

“If her friends needed her help she would always be there for them. I wish she could have known how many people cared. It’s what depression does to you. It doesn’t matter what people say, it’s what you feel on the inside.”

The loss of Chantelle is something the family will never come to terms with, but taking part in the second Jane Tomlinson Walk for All Event is one way for Richard to ensure her memory lives on.

“I still don’t think it’s fully sunk in for everybody yet, but we are sticking strong,” he said.

“I’m still struggling a little bit, but I’ve got something to put my mind to now so it’s helping a bit.”

He will complete the charity challenge with colleagues from O2, where he works as a social media insight executive.

They have already raised more than £1,000 ahead of the walk through the Yorkshire Dales on Sunday August 19 which will go to BullyingUK.

“I think she’d be pleased that I’m trying to help other people and stop them going through what she was going through and suffering the same pain and distress that she did,” said Richard.

“I want to stop children from feeling like they are alone in that situation. I want to try and get across that there are people out there to help and there is support available and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it.”

The charity’s co-founder John Carnell, based in Harrogate, said: “BullyingUK is grateful to Richard and his friends for thinking of us during this difficult time.

“Bullying continues to be a real concern and children, families and schools can find the situation traumatic and difficult to manage.

“The money raised from this 14-mile trek across the Yorkshire Dales will strengthen our ability to respond to the challenges faced by children and young people throughout the UK and enable us to continue to support over 500,000 people a year affected by bullying.”

Richard won’t be the only one pulling on his walking boots. More than 2,500 people are expected to take to the hills and enjoy the views as they complete one of four routes across the Yorkshire Dales.

Last year’s inaugural event was so popular, accommodation in the 10-mile radius of Settle where the walk begins was sold out for the weekend.

This year is proving equally popular. The routes takes in some of the Yorkshire Dales most stunning scenery, including the picturesque Malhamdale and two of the county’s Three Peaks, Penyghent and Ingleborough. Spectacular views are assured, sadly the only thing organisers can’t guarantee is the weather.

However, Richard and the rest of the walkers will be putting their best foot forward come rain or shine.

To sponsor the team, visit www.justgiving.com/richard-shaw85.

Victims of bullying or worried parents can contact BullyingUK’s confidential hotline on 0808 800 2222 for support or visit www.bullying.co.uk.