The Warrington Guardian

Peace In Mind

2024

The Warrington Guardian’s week-long fundraising effort, in memory of Brianna Ghey, a murder victim, has successfully raised £40,000 to support local schoolchildren.

The Peace in Mind campaign was created in partnership with Esther, the mother of Brianna, to establish a lasting legacy for her daughter. The goal was to generate funds for the Mindfulness in Schools Project, to enhance mental health and well-being support for students nationwide, beginning in Warrington. In February last year, Brianna was stabbed to death, at just 16. Two teenagers were subsequently found guilty of her murder.

Tom Bedworth, reporter at the Guardian, told HoldtheFrontPage: “From the moment a member of the public tipped me off about Brianna’s death, I knew that I had a responsibility as a local reporter to cover her death sensitively.

“As a result of this, I have been able to build a respectful working relationship with Brianna’s mother, Esther, ever since we first met.

“When I suggested launching a campaign in Brianna’s memory, Esther leapt at the chance, and we haven’t looked back.”

In the summer of 2023, Esther completed the Great North Swim. She raised more than £20,000 for the Mindfulness in Schools Project. The Guardian’s campaign aimed to raise £50,000 in total, with the funds contributing to almost 100 members of school staff in Warrington being trained by the Project in mindfulness practices. The Warrington Guardian surpassed its goal, having now raised almost £90,000.

The campaign has also received backing from Warrington Borough Council, the Warrington Wolves, Charlotte Nichols MP and then MP Andy Carter, who represent Warrington North and Warrington South.