Helping to Rebuild After a Loss to Suicide

I’m sure by now everyone has heard the tragic loss of Jack Taggart. Jack was loved by so many and has left an empty space in hearts and lives that will never be filled. Jack took his own life earlier this year, just before his 28th birthday. He left for work normally, kissed Shannon on the cheek and didn't come home. He was reported as missing when the hours started to get later, and his car was traced going down to Cornwall. The following morning, police came to let Shannon know that Jack wouldn't be coming home.

Overnight, Shannon's home went from a loving one of three, to a lonely one. Jacks son, whom Shannon had cared for since 6 months old, had to go and live with his Mum who is a plane ride away.

Unfortunately, as if this story couldn’t be any more heartbreaking, our lovely friend Shannon is now left with decisions and a situation that no one ever deserves. Due to archaic inheritance laws, policy systems that are long overdue a revision and Jack not leaving a will, Shannon is not entitled to anything. She is being made to feel like a stranger to her own fiance.

Shannon is facing the only option of having to sell the home they bought together. In an attempt to stop this from happening I’m hoping that we can raise enough money to buy Shannon out of the “help-to-buy” scheme, which is currently only allowing this devastating outcome, on top of the life-altering events that have recently taken place.

Currently the pay out for the scheme is a shocking £50,000. Understandably, that is a huge reach, however, raising £10,000 for a year of financial stability and breathing space would be absolutely amazing.

Shannons future has been taken away, and soon will her home, as Jack was the main provider. If we got anything additional then maybe we can make a huge step in being able to keep Shannon in the house that her and Jack worked so hard to make their home.

We're hoping that this fundraiser brings awareness to the parts of suicide that don't get as much attention - the other forms of loss that occur when a person chooses to take their own life.

It is thought that the passing of Jacks Dad had a huge impact on him and his ability to cope. He didn't speak much of his emotions and his death was extremely sudden and unexpected - he went to visit family the day before and was laughing and talking as normal. We want to advocate that people speak out when they're in need, so that no one faces the sheer amount of loss Jacks family currently is.

Jack was a partner, son, brother, father, a friend and immensely loved by everyone and all are feeling a horrendous pain since his passing.

We are currently setting up raffles to assist in this fundraiser, so please look out for them. We have tattoos, microblading, hair cut & colour treatments, afternoon teas and eyelash extensions. If anyone is willing to be generous enough to donate a service to raffle off, we would be extremely grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please if you can spare anything in these hard and dark times, it would be hugely appreciated xxx

An update from Shannon:

I just wanted to post an update and thank everyone for the overwhelming support I have received.I am coming to terms with the fact I am going to have to move from our family home but the kindness everyone has shown has taken the pressure off me in this difficult situation.

I wanted a choice, not to be forced to make decisions out of my control, I now have a little breathing space to be able to do that.

I just want to clarify with everyone this is not about the money. I never asked for help, I didn't want any of this, I want more than anything to have Jack back but I know I can't.

I am extremely humbled by the generosity and support I have received and forever grateful to Scarlett for setting this up for me. Any help I receive is amazing but what I want more than anything is to raise awareness for men's mental health and urge people no matter their age to have their affairs in order. Losing someone is heartbreaking enough nevermind everything else on top.

Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart. It really means more than you know.

Please if anyone is struggling then speak up! Do not suffer in silence.