Brianna Ghey's mum talks about fundraiser in daughter's name

In February, Esther Ghey's world was torn apart when news broke that her daughter, Brianna, had been found dead in Culcheth Linear Park with multiple stab wounds.

Two 15-year-olds have been charged in relation to the 16-year-old trans schoolgirl's death, who was a pupil at Birchwood High School.

Vigils were held across the country in the wake of Brianna's death (Image: Newsquest)

Now, Brianna's mother Esther is set to complete the Great North Swim in order to raise money in her daughter's name.

In the weeks after Brianna was killed, her family decided to direct any fundraising efforts toward the mental health charity Mindfulness in Schools Project, with thousands of pounds being raised for the project already.

Following Brianna's death, a fundraiser was established to support the schoolgirl's family, which eventually raised more than £100,000.

Hundreds attended Brianna's funeral, which took place at St Elphin's Parish Church, most wearing Brianna's favourite colour: pink (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking exclusively to the Warrington Guardian, Esther Ghey explains why she has chosen to undertake the Great North Swim, alongside her partner Wes, in memory of her beloved daughter, Brianna.

She and Wes have been together for almost a decade, and he was Brianna's stepfather - he is, in her words, Esther's rock.

Esther said: "Both myself and Wes open-water swim as a hobby.

"We haven't done any serious swimming so we wanted to challenge ourselves with a mile swim. Additionally, open-water swimming can have health benefits so hopefully this will inspire others to give it a go."

Esther will complete the swim in her daughter's name (Image: Esther Ghey)

She added: "I have been interested in mindfulness for a few years and I feel that I have built a great deal of mental resilience and empathy towards myself.

"I want others to experience good mental health which will help them to cope when the pressures of life become too heavy."

Esther explained about the importance of mental health support in schools: "Our young people have it difficult with societal pressures, along with the negative side of social media and the internet.

"Brianna struggled with her mental health and when serious issues arose there was a lack of services available."

Esther and Wes have used open-water swimming as a hobby for a while, now (Image: Esther Ghey)

Esther continued: "To incorporate mindfulness into schools may be a way to prevent the onset of mental health disorders but could also teach children to be more empathetic and understanding of others.

"I want to help make the world a more peaceful and happy place for everyone."

When asked about the influx of support that poured in from around the country in the wake of Brianna's death, Esther said: "I have been completely overwhelmed by the amount of support that our family has received.

"The kindness and empathy from both people we know and strangers is truly amazing.

"I will be forever grateful to everyone and would like to give something back by helping to improve mental health in our society."

A poster for the event has been released by Esther (Image: Esther Ghey)

Posting on a social media page, Esther added: "Brianna struggled with her mental health and there was little support available.

"We are hoping to raise money to get mindfulness in schools, as a way to help teachers and children to look after their mental health.

Taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. The fast pace in which we live, along with an over-reliance on social media, and recovering from the Covid lockdowns has had a massive impact on our health & wellbeing.

"Mindfulness practice can help build mental resilience and empathy towards ourselves and others."

Esther says that Brianna didn't have access to many resources when she was struggling with her mental health (Image: Esther Ghey)

Esther and Wes will partake in the Great North Swim on Saturday, June 10, which includes swimming one mile in Windermere, in the Lake District.

For more information on the sponsored swim, and to donate, visit Esther's Just Giving page here: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/greatnorthswimmisp