Hi, I’m Carrie. I’m creating Melodies Lighthouse in loving memory of my beautiful daughter, Melodie, who we tragically lost at just 14 to suicide. She was funny, fierce, wise beyond her years, and so full of life—a girl who should still be here making the difference we all knew she would. This is my tribute: turning her energy, humour, and spirit into something real that helps others feel less alone and more connected.

Melody mixed effortlessly with anyone without judgment, saw possibilities everywhere, and believed deeply in connection. But like so many young people today, she spent much of her time online, and I see now how that pulled her from the real, face-to-face human bonds she needed most. Looking back, I wish I’d been a better guide for her in navigating that world. Our town has lost too many young lives to isolation and loneliness in recent years—it’s heartbreaking. From years working in pubs, I know loneliness often drives people there for company, but alcohol isn’t the lasting answer; it’s not stable, not truly healing.

That’s why Melodies Lighthouse will be a gentle community café and connection space, plus an in-premises charity/donation shop to help fund it sustainably. A warm, non-judgmental place for all ages and stages—relaxed chats over tea, quiet time with a book, laughter, creativity, or simply being together. No pressure to “participate” or share your story; showing up is enough. You don’t have to be going through something to belong here—you just have to be human.

The shop will accept generous donations of items (clothing, books, homeware, etc.), and as an artist, I’ll upcycle and repurpose them—turning the old into new, beautiful pieces (furniture, paintings, crocheted items, macramé, and more)—to sell in the space and online (e.g., via Vinted and eBay). This creates higher-value items, generates ongoing income to keep the café welcoming and running long-term, and turns donations into a creative hub for music, art, play, experimenting, and discovering talents as healthy outlets for expression and healing. Melody would have loved a space like this—one that celebrates real connection over isolation.

Inspired by her open heart, Melodies Lighthouse will reduce isolation, spark everyday human connections, and offer gentle support through simple presence and belonging. The space will grow naturally with whoever comes—we’ll listen first and let the community shape it.

Right now, I’m raising £5,000 to officially register as a CIO with the Charity Commission and cover the essential first steps:

• Professional help for legal/governing documents (~£800–£1,500)

• Outreach materials, basic website, and planning (~£1,000–£2,000)

• Other groundwork to build a safe foundation

Once registered, we’ll be eligible for grants and other funding to secure a venue, set up the café and shop, and open the doors.

I’ve also written a guided grief journal, The First of Everything Without You (Deluxe Colour Edition), full of compassionate prompts to help heal, cope with loss (including after suicide), and remember loved ones. It’s available on Amazon UK for £15.99 (black & white edition also available at a lower price). All profits go straight to getting Melodies Lighthouse up and running.

Every donation—no matter how small—is a spark of Melodies energy, bringing people together and creating connection where it’s needed most. Help me keep her spark alive and turn it into something amazing.

If this resonates, please donate here on GoFundMe. You can also:

• message or email me to chat, share ideas, offer skills (admin, design, event planning, photography for online listings, upcycling help, volunteering as a fundraiser/shop helper/donation collector/crafter), or suggest ways to get involved.

• Follow the journey and connect on our Facebook page: Search for “Melodies Lighthouse” on Facebook (or use this link if active: [insert your exact FB page link here, e.g., https://www.facebook.com/MelodiesLighthouse or the share link you posted]).

Thank you from the deepest part of my heart for reading this, for caring, and for helping build a place to land, belong, and grow. Togethe