A County Durham mum who lost two children to suicide is working on a special project for the North East that aims to unite grieving families.

Tracey Beadle lost her daughter Quinn, 17, and son Dyllon, 21 within months of each other. She has since dedicated her time to helping other families who have also lost loved ones to suicide.

She is creating a suicide memorial quilt with a Gosforth mum, Suzanne Howes, who’s son Samuel took his own life aged 17.

Tracey, of Shildon, said: “The idea is anyone connected to the North East has a patch of fabric that you could draw on, sew on, or you could get a picture put on. Something to symbolize your loved one.

“We will then make it into a banner and it will be on display in Newcastle and tour the North East.

“We envisage a powerful artwork that will take centre stage in our region and provoke thought and be a catalyst for conversations and raise awareness about suicide.”

The mums are organizing workshops in Darlington, Durham, Newcastle, and Sunderland for people to come along and create their squares, or alternatively, people can ask for fabric to be sent to them.

It comes after the landmark project in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire, entitled ‘Speak Their Name’ in which 54 unique squares created a quilt.

“Our project is both a suicide prevention and postvention initiative. Suicide loss is traumatic, isolating and leaved heartbreak in its wake.

“We know people bereaved by suicide are at a higher risk of suicide themselves. Additionally, the latest national data tells us that the North East has the highest suicide rate in the UK.”

If you would like more information or to contribute a square, follow this link: