Holly Everson and Faye Wheldon founded Lucy’s Legacy, after their friend Lucy Pearson died aged 37 – shortly after the birth of her second child.

Lucy experienced postnatal depression.

Holly said: “When her first child had hit one she went back to being herself, it was like having Lucy back with us.

“Maybe a month or so after her boy [second born] was born she got poorly again, but this time was different.”

Holly said that Lucy’s close friends and family “were hoping that she was going to be fine”, but knew “instantly that her spark had gone”. 

She said: “She was saying things like ‘the kids will be better off without me’, it’s genuinely how she felt.”

Lucy moved in with her parents – for more support – “but things still deteriorated,” Holly said.

Lucy spent time in hospital – but died in September last year.

Her family and friends, who live near Helmsley, have raised concerns over Lucy’s care and feel that the services that should have helped her failed her.

 

Lucy Pearson (Image: Supplied) “It was just such a long few years, with such a tragic ending, and a preventable death,” Holly said.

Both Holly and Faye founded Lucy’s Legacy to raise almost £20,000 while collaborating with Mind. Their fundraising is to be split between Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind and York Mind.

Lucy Pearson with friends Holly and Faye (Image: Supplied)

“When they’re older [Lucy’s children] we want to show them what we’ve achieved in helping other mums,” Holly said, adding that they want to help fund training for front-line nurses, specifically in postnatal depression.

She added: “This disease is preventable, and that’s the most frustrating thing, raising awareness is vital.

“Lucy’s gone, so we’ve got to do what we can do to help people.”

Many unsung heroes, like Holly and Faye, are set to be celebrated at the York Community Pride Awards 2025.

With Lucy’s Legacy being a nominee for our Against All Odds category, there are 10 more categories – aimed at recognising the people of York in a variety of fields.

Nominations can be made via the form here. There are still sponsorship spaces open for this year’s awards. Email lucy.stokes@localiq.co.uk for more information.

  • Postnatal depression is a type of depression that can occur after childbirth, affecting both mothers and partners. The Samaritans say that whatever you’re going through, you can call them for free, at any time, from any phone, on 116 123.