Ball honours memory of 'inspirational' Cara

A CHARITY ball will keep alive the memory of a Teesdale woman whose struggles with mental illness have inspired others.

The Tinkerbell Ball is being held at The Hub, in Barnard Castle, on October 14, in honour of Cara Firmin.

Ms Firmin grew up in Staindrop and attended Teesdale YMCA, becoming a volunteer from age 18.

She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but friends say she was never ashamed of her mental health and “would always put others first”.

At 19, she attended the University of Chester, studying youth work and supported students as a hall warden at the Warrington Campus.

Due to her mental health difficulties, Ms Firmin didn’t complete her degree but did gain a higher national diploma and wrote a self-help book for others suffering from the same condition which was published by the NHS.

She was supported by mental health teams and was under the care of the Warrington Assessment Team for periods in between hospital admissions after finishing university.

Ms Firmin died in May following a suspected overdose aged 24.

Natasha Bree, one of the organisers of the Tinkerbell ball, was originally her youth worker at Teesdale YMCA.

She said: “Cara was a popular girl and was very likeable, and even though she was battling her own mental health, she continued to put others first. In her short life she has made some big impressions on people’s hearts. She is deeply missed by her family and friends

“The event aims to continue to raise awareness of mental health as Cara had hoped to do throughout her life. We are just shy of being sold out for the event with only about ten tickets left which is fantastic.”

Ms Firmin’s mum, Kathryn Walker, said it only seemed right to name the event after her love for the Disney character Tinkerbell – “a character that is independent, stubborn and has a fiercely loyal personality”.

The location of the event is also described as important because Cara helped to plan and design the building as a young person.

Although the event is described as a ball, black tie and gowns are optional. The evening will fundraise for the mental health charity MIND and If You Care Share Foundation (IUCSF), which supports families affected by suicide.

There will be live music, a disco, raffle and a presentation from IUCSF and time to reflect on Ms Firmin’s life.

“There has been fantastic support from the community, with donations of raffle prizes from The Old Well, Spice Island, Saks and Sandra Parker Studio, just to name a few,” said Ms Bree.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 7pm, cost £20 and can be purchased via Natasha Bree on email at tinkerbell ball2017@outlook.com or directly through Rachel Tweddle at The Hub 01833 690150.

Are you a young person struggling with life? Contact PAPYRUS HOPELineUK. Call 0800 0684141. Text 07786 209697.