Before 14-year-old ‘Akubra girl’ Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett took her own life, overwhelmed by social media bullies, she completed a drawing with the words ‘Speak even if your voice shakes’ in bold in the background.
The young girl from the outback south-west of Katherine in the Northern Territory has been described as the ‘kindest, caring, beautiful soul’ by her parents Tick and Kate, and her older sister Meg in a statement sent to Daily Mail Australia.
‘She was always caring for animals, small children, other children at boarding school who were less fortunate than herself,’ the statement said.
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
Dolly drew this before her death – and it shares a dark message of strength – her family are sharing it hoping it will change lives
The Everett family in happier times – Dolly is far right, pictured with her sister Meg, mother Kate and father Tick
Dolly was known as an ‘animal whisperer’ from a young age – here she is with a newborn foal
Touching photographs of the young girl prove this to be true. From sharing her water with a foal to kissing one on the nose – she was the ‘baby animal whisperer.’
‘Out of all the sadness that the loss of our daughter has brought to our lives, we feel that through losing Dolly we would like to help other families by making an awareness of bullying and harassment that some people are sadly subject to,’ the statement read.
‘Our vision is to establish a trust called “Dolly’s Dream” through this trust we would hope to raise awareness about bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide.’
But for the moment they need some time to remember their sweet girl before laying her to rest on Friday.
‘May we please ask for some time to celebrate the life of our much-loved daughter Dolly. This is all we are capable of at the moment and asks for your respect to give us time to grieve,’ the family said.
Living on the land was second nature to the young woman – as was being alongside horses
The family live in a station almost 500 kilometers south-west of Katherine, NT
Dolly with her mum – the family’s message is ‘Stop Bullying, Be Kind, Do It For Dolly.’
In the meantime, they said they are not worried about ‘the who or the why’ they just want to save other families from the same loss.
And their message is clear:
‘Stop Bullying, Be Kind, Do It For Dolly.’
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.
Mother Kate smiling with her two daughters in happier times
Dolly, back, was usually sporting the same broad smile in photographs
Tick Everett has promised his daughter’s short life won’t be a ‘waste’ and has decided to combat bullying
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’.
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.
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’
The young girl was always smiling in photographs when she was with her family
Here she is pictured striking a pose with her Akubra hat firmly in her hand
‘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 for one big message.’
But the brunt of his message was for those who had to 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.
The broad smile even shows in her family’s candid photographs
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 has taken a catchphrase from their dear Dolly to help victims of harassment come forward.
‘Speak now even if your voice shakes.
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
Known as the ‘baby animal whisperer’ to friends the young girl is here rubbing noses with a horse
‘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 young girl many of you will recognize as the face of our past Christmas adverts. This beautiful photo was taken 8 years ago,’ she said.
The tight-knit family have been left devastated by the blow of losing their youngest member
‘Bullying of any type is unacceptable. It is up to us to stand up when we see any kind of bullying behavior. 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 favorite color
‘Bullying of any type is unacceptable. It is up to us to stand up when we see any kind of bullying behavior. Dolly could be anyone’s daughter, sister, friend.
‘We need to make sure that anyone in a 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 favorite color.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
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