Firewalk for Cornwall Mind — In Memory of Zoey Elizabeth

Once you’ve lost a child to suicide you know that nothing can ever compare to the pain you have already navigated and continue to navigate on a daily basis, so at 62 I have no hesitation in rising to the challenge of walking on fire...

On 14th March, a week before what would have been Zoey’s 33rd birthday, I will be taking part in a firewalk in her memory to raise funds for Cornwall Mind. Cornwall Mind generously hosts and supports the Cornwall Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt project I’m proud to lead. Cornwall Mind have taken our fledgling project under their wing since September 2025 and are nurturing us as our project goes from strength to strength.

I feel Zoey has led me to be here, writing this today. At her funeral someone mentioned their last abiding memory of Zoey - she was standing at the doors of St. Martin In The Fields Church in Trafalgar Square whilst there was a protest going on outside. I felt an immediate pull to walk in Zoey’s footsteps and took the train from Plymouth to London. I hoped to seek out connection and remembrance - unexpectedly I also discovered a way to honour her life.

As I walked into Church, lo and behold, there was the Manchester Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt - I’d never heard of the initiative before. Being a quilter, it absolutely captivated me and I spent the train journey back to Cornwall daydreaming of how wonderful it would be to bring Cornwall’s own tribute to life. As a result of my trip to St. Martin In the Fields, Cornwall are now the 11th County to create a quilt as part of the Speak Their Name initiative

As I carry Zoey’s mantle of activism and use it to champion suicide awareness and prevention, I feel I’m not drifting further away from her as each day passes. I am carrying her voice for change — and she remains by my side in every moment, shoulder to shoulder.

By supporting this firewalk, you are not only helping Cornwall Mind to continue its vital mental health services, but also empowering the charity to lead, host, and nurture smaller projects such as our Cornwall Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt —ensuring these powerful conversations, shared learning, and community connections continue to grow.

Thank you for your support.

Val and Zoey

Speaktheirname.org