A 14-year-old girl who was once the face if iconic Australian hat maker Akubra has taken her life after being ‘overwhelmed’ by cyber bullies.
Amy Everett’s grief-stricken parents posted an emotional tribute to their ‘Dolly’ inviting the vile social media trolls to her funeral to see the ‘devastation they caused.
The family from Katherine in the Northern Territory have taken aim at keyboard warriors following the young girl’s death and vow her life won’t be a ‘waste’.
Amy Everett, known as Dolly, took her own life – aged 14 after becoming overwhelmed by the vile taunts of online bullies – pictured here as a young girl when she was the face of Akubra
The Everett family in happier times – Dolly is far right, pictured with her sister Meg, mother Kate and father Tick
Tick Everett has promised his daughter’s short life won’t be a ‘waste’ and has decided to combat bullying
Her father Tick Everett broke the family’s silence just four days after Dolly’s January 3 death, thanking loved ones for support and condemning bullying.
‘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,’ he said.
‘There are so many kind words that I have not yet replied to, so instead of wearing out another screen or keyboard I would like to offer my thanks in one big message.’
But the brunt of his message was for those who had lead his young girl to take her own life.
‘I know for some suicide is considered cowardly 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.
Tick invited the young girl’s bullies to her funeral on Friday so they can see the ‘devastation’ caused by Dolly’s death
Akubra Hats posted a tribute to the young girl on their own Facebook Page – calling for an end to bullying
Her parents want to raise awareness about bullying after the young girl ‘took her own life’ to escape cruel taunts
‘Firstly if by some chance the people who thought this was a joke and made themselves feel superior by the constant bullying and harassment see this post, please come to our service and witness the complete devastation you have created.’
The family have come up with a catch phrase to help victims of harassment come forward.’
‘Speak now even if your voice shakes.
‘Let’s stop the bullies no matter where, but especially in our kids, as the old saying goes. You will never know what have until it’s gone.’
Akubra Hats also took time to fight for Dolly on their Facebook Page – calling for an end to bullying.
The family have come up with a catch phrase to help victims of harassment come forward: Speak now even if your voice shakes
Dolly took her life on January 3 – after becoming overwhelmed by the constant harassment
‘There are so many kind words that I have not yet replied to, so instead of wearing out another screen or keyboard I would like to offer my thanks in one big message,’ Tick said
‘The young girl many of you will recognise as the face of our past Christmas adverts. This beautiful photo was taken 8 years ago,’ she said.
‘Bullying of any type is unacceptable. It is up to us to stand up when we see any kind of bullying behaviour. Dolly could be anyone’s daughter, sister, friend.
‘We need to make sure that anyone in crisis knows there is always someone to talk to.’
Dolly’s funeral is to be held on Friday – her parents and sister have asked mourners and supporters to wear blue – the teenager’s favourite colour.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
