At the beginning of this month, my best friend lost her little brother to suicide. I've tried searching for the right things to say about Ben's death, but it seems to me there is nothing to be said other than it never should have happened. Ben was was only 13 years old when his life was cut short as a result of online bullying. 

Statistics show that in the UK, 4 children a week will take their own life. Sadly, with NHS Mental Health Services depleting faster than ever, this number isn't set to change any time soon. 

However, the bigger issue in all of this is the way in which Ben's death was caused. Before Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter, bullying was physical and in the moment. You went home from school, closed the door and you were safe until the next day. Now, with the aid of the internet and social media - there is no escape from bullying. It is constant. Anyone can contact you, from anywhere and at any time - even someone you don't know.

Myself and a few other have decided to set up this Just Giving page and we are hoping to raise some money in Ben's memory. All money raised will go to a really fantastic charity called Beautiful Inside & Out - SCIO. This is a Scotland based, non-profit charity which helps to support bereaved parents and siblings of child suicide victims.

We know that this can in no way make up for Ben's tragic passing, but we hope that this will become a way for anyone effected by Ben's death to show their love and respect to the McKenzie family.