THE FAMILY of a 21-year-old girl found dead at a popular beauty spot are fundraising to support mental health patients.
Sophie Reilly’s body was found on the Dundee Law, a 400 million year old extinct volcano, last week on the same day police launched a missing person appeal.
The youngster had been battling with bipolar disorder and personality disorder and was in the care of Carseview psychiatric unit in the weeks leading up to her death.
On Tuesday, a day before Sophie’s funeral yesterday, father Tim Reilly set up “Sophie’s page” in honour of his beloved daughter to raise money for the Scottish Association of Mental Health.
He said: “My daughter Sophie died on 1/8/16 aged 21 after a long battle with bipolar disorder and personality disorder.
“These devastating illnesses marched through her life wrecking her peace of mind and her relationships with the many people who loved the warm vibrant person she could be when she was well.
“Mental illness is the Cinderella specialty, and doesn’t get the publicity, support or generosity it deserves when you consider the mortality rate especially in young people is higher than that of cancer.
“Your donations in memory of Sophie will help support patients and their families and go to better understanding of these illnesses and better treatment and facilities.”
Having only been set up for less than two days, the page has raised over £3,000 from generous members of the public.
Following the response, Tim added: “Overwhelmed by the fantastic response, reaching the first target in just a few hours.
“Thank you all so much, it’s hugely appreciated, lightens the pain and gives a wee beacon of hope.
“Yesterday the funeral took place in a packed chapel in the crematorium, and while mourning her loss we were able to show something of what Sophie could have become if she had been able to survive her mental illness.
“Thank you to everyone who came or sent messages, and thank you for all your generous donations, which will help others. Sophie would have approved.”
In the wake of Sophie’s death, Jenny Marra, MSP for North East Scotland, called for a review of Carseview.
Marra said: “Mental health issues are resulting in the deaths of far too many of our young people.
“I have had several representations from families whose loved ones have been treated in Carseview.
“I think the time has come for a proper review of the facility.
“There are very dedicated staff in Carseview, but if it is found that the demands being made on staff are too much then that will need to be dealt with.”
However, in a statement yesterday Sophie’s family said they couldn’t fault the care she received at Carseview.
The statement read: “We would like to emphasise how kind the staff were to Sophie in her final weeks.
“We are grateful to them for doing their best to look after her. We have no reason to believe there were any systemic failings of the mental health care given at Carseview.”
To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tim-Reilly1
