LAST September Donna Kerr received the news no mother should ever hear, her son Daniel, had taken his own life.
She knew, she had felt it.
Last year there were 801 deaths of suspected or confirmed suicide, higher than the three years preceding and Donna knows her son is one of those statistics. This year to March 31 that number is already at 222.
“I never thought I would be a statistic mum, but I am,” Donna stated.
In 2023 males accounted for 72 per cent of suspected or confirmed suicide deaths.
Daniel’s tragic death underscores a critical failure, despite seeking help, he was let down by an inadequate health system that was neither local nor financially accessible and Donna is determined to prevent others from experiencing the same fate.
“We are just starting our campaign, Daniel’s Wings of Pride – our goal is to create a hub locally where young adults can walk-in and it doesn’t cost anything, where grieving parents can meet and speak with other grieving parents, where anyone struggling with mental health can receive guidance and support, no judgement – walk-in and feel safe.
“And somewhere where parents can come and ask questions, and we can try to bridge the gap because kids don’t understand how the parents are feeling, and the parents don’t understand how the kids are feeling – they need to speak and communicate a lot more, it’s a problem. I was fortunate to have a good, open relationship with Daniel.”
There’s no denying that psychiatrists and psychologists are worth their weight, but the financial implications, even for those in well-paying jobs, means seeking treatment is costly with fees varying between $200 – $600+ per session.
“It all comes down to financial hardship. You’re only just beginning adulthood and learning life skills and you get knocked when you’re trying your best.”
And whilst Donna noted she offered to pay; it was something Daniel insisted on doing himself.
Sitting around a table with Daniel’s mum Donna, sister
Brianna, and mates Noah and Michael there is no denying they are committed to preventing suicide death from happening to someone else.
“After Daniel’s death I spoke with a psychiatrist, and I asked, ‘How do you prevent suicide?’ and she honestly said, ‘you can’t but you can try. If I can save one person, my job’s done’,” Donna explained.
And that is exactly what Daniel’s Wings of Pride is about – raising awareness and prevention around suicide and young adult mental health.
On November 19 Donna will take to Parliament House in Canberra with Noah and a set of Daniel’s shoes, photograph and banner, as she joins president of Zerosuicide Community Awareness Program president Paul Withall and thousands of pairs of shoes in the largest visual presentation of men’s suicide in the world.
With a raft of events and fundraisers including a raffle in the works, that has an ever-growing list of donations from local businesses, Donna has also created bumper stickers, mugs and pens drawn up from Noah’s design with Daniel’s Wings of Pride Day flagged for early September to coincide with Suicide Awareness Month.
And Daniel’s Wings of Pride is already catching the attention of individuals around Australia with @mentalhealth0123 launching a TikTok live battle this Saturday.
‘Big battle vs Orange Man on May 4 at 8.30pm NSW – supporting a foundation close to my heart. Daniel’s Wings of Pride to raise mental health awareness and support.’ @mentalhealth0123’s post reads.
“They said (the other night during discussions) that they were going to do something and we’d find out, and then I saw (the announcement) yesterday, and was shocked,” Donna stated at the overwhelming gesture, explaining she is also expecting trolls.
“As I said to Michael and Noah the day after Daniel passed away, Daniel didn’t do this to teach anyone a lesson, he did this to give himself freedom, to save himself. I understand why he did it, I just wish he didn’t do it.
“He knew he was loved but didn’t see his self-worth.”
Head to Daniel’s Wings of Pride on Facebook to purchase items or for further information.
If you or someone you know needs support, talk to a GP or health professional or contact:
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or beyondblue.org.au.
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au.
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au.
• Kids’ Helpline on 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au.
• SuicideLine Victoria 1300 651 251, suicideline.org.au offers free professional, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Victoria.
