‘People need to stop and think’ – Sister’s heartfelt online plea as she claims bullies played part in Inverness teenage mum’s tragic death
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THE sister of an Inverness boxer found dead in her home has hit out at bullies she claims hounded the teenager before her death.
Lauren Jane Rattray used social media to make a heartfelt plea to the people she says made her sister Nicola Rattray’s life a misery at school and college.
In a post on her Facebook page, which has been shared thousands of times, she said she wanted people to learn from what had happened.
Nicola (18) was found dead at home on November 1.
Police said there were believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
Nicola’s parents were too upset to talk about the tragedy, but Lauren’s post said: “Nicola was a very happy young girl. She had a great childhood up until she went into secondary school.
“Certain people made her life a misery there. Throwing stones at her. Making sure she had no friends. Calling her every name under the sun.
“I want these people to read this and know who they are, no child should ever go through this.
“I could write a book about nasty things young people and adults did to her – for absolutely no reason whatsoever other than the fact she was good at everything she did and people were jealous.”
She claimed the abuse suffered by Nicola, a member of Inverness City Boxing Club and mother to toddler daughter Breigha, continued while she was at college and right up until the day before she died.
She added: “Others in life outside of school and college also treated Nic very badly, manipulating her and controlling her.”
“I know I would not have been able to cope with all the grief people gave her if it was me. People need to stop and think. I will never get my sister back but you can treat people better and stop this from happening.
“I will never get to cuddle my sister again or tell her I love her, just let that sink in. Please just let my sister rest peacefully.”
The funeral is due to take place tomorrow.
The post has attracted a groundswell of support.
Kerry MacDonald said: “Well said Lolly. People don’t think before they speak or act these days and don’t realise how much they can affect other people.”
Jenny Kay Jones added her support saying: “You’ve always been a great sister to Nicola, Lolly – always supporting her and being fiercely protective. I hope your post gives others an insight into the terrible harm bullying does.”
Helen Mulgrew said: “Beautiful words Lauren, it’s just heartbreaking that you are writing them.”
Inverness City Boxing Club is planning to dedicate its next show to the memory of Miss Rattray who had been at sparring practice at her club’s Merkinch Hall gym the evening before she died.
An online crowdfunding appeal aiming to provide support for Breigha has soared to £5484.
The gofundme page, “Raising for baby B”, is still open for donations at www.gofundme.com/f/raising-for-baby-b
Children and young people who are being bullied can get advice and support via Scotland’s anti-bullying service Respect Me at www.respectme.org.uk or on 0344 8008600 or through Childline at either www.childline.org.uk or on 0800 1111.
Related article: 'Our hearts will be broken forever' – Devastated parents of Inverness boxer Nicola Rattray announce arrangements for her funeral
