A Co Tyrone priest has given out his mobile number from the church altar and pleaded with young people to "please reach out" for help as "suicide is not the way" - as mourners gathered for the funeral of a 16-year-old girl.
Fr Daniel McFaul told those gathered yesterday for Requiem Mass for Elle Trowbridge that she was "a young and beautiful lady...who was caught in the live fast, die young culture".
The teenager, who was a pupil at Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh, died suddenly on Monday.
Fr McFaul told mourners at St Mary's Church in Killyclogher that Elle's death didn't "seem real, it doesn't feel fair".
"A young teenager living life to the full, with so much potential," he said.
"Now, everything stopped, brought to a complete standstill, her studies, her plans for life. You, her family and friends, thrown into confusion with a terrible sense of loss. You have lost someone who was a massive part of your lives.
"As a community, we have lost someone who was born to care with a huge heart who loved life and loved people. Ellie was witty, fun-loving, smart.
"She was a fierce loyal friend with deep sincerity. Wanting to help the whole world solve their problems which in turn was helping her carrying her own problems. She was thoughtful, she wore her heart on her sleeve. She was a young and beautiful lady...who was caught in the live fast, die young culture".
Fr McCaul appealed directly to young people in need to seek help, and gave his mobile number out from the altar, asking anyone who wanted to talk to make contact.
"I can't stop this as much as I want to, as much as the professionals, as much as your teachers, your parents want to stop this. You are the only ones who can stop this, you are the only ones who know what is going on behind the screens of social media," he said.
"For any of you here today, who are suffering or thinking about ending their life by suicide, look around you, look at the devastation it leaves behind. I beg you on bended knee, please, there are countless support groups....please, please, please reach out because this is not the way, suicide is not the way, it's a long-term solution to short-term problems".
He added: "My friends when we find ourselves in the dark place, driven by sickness, doubt, drink, drugs, social bullying apps such as SimSimi and Blue Whale, that has us residing in that lonely place, it's our faith in God that carries us through.
"Any of you who find yourselves in the darkness...please seek help, talk to the professionals, speak to someone, there is light at the even of every darkness".
Elle's mother, Mandy also spoke, describing her daughter as a "beautiful and stunning young lady".
"I'm so proud of what you achieved. You were passing your GCSEs and even staying on to do A-Levels," she said.
"Today you can see how popular you are and how much you were loved by everyone. You have made my life so special.
"My darling princess. I have to let your beautiful body go but your heart is now my heart and I will keep it beating for both of us ... and so, with 16 hugs and 16 kisses".
**Anyone in need of help can contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000
