Head shave for a headstone: Godmother's tribute to Blackpool woman, 20, who took her own life

A Layton woman shaved her head to raise money for a headstone at the grave of her goddaughter, who died from suicide three weeks before her 21st birthday.
By Rebecca Beardmore
Published 29th Jun 2021, 15:45 BST
Updated 30th Jun 2021, 10:53 BST
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Lauren Bicket was found dead at her North Shore home on Monday, May 10.

Described as kind-hearted, she lived with her mum and sister and was a keen fisherwoman – and the first in Lancashire to hook a 30lb carp.

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She was buried at Carleton Crematorium on Friday, June 4 but her mum Kirsty Gregson and dad Jamie Bicket were unable to afford the costs.

Linsey Smith from Layton shaved her head in a bid to raise enough money to buy a headstone for her goddaughter Lauren Bicket, who took her own life in May.Linsey Smith from Layton shaved her head in a bid to raise enough money to buy a headstone for her goddaughter Lauren Bicket, who took her own life in May.
Linsey Smith from Layton shaved her head in a bid to raise enough money to buy a headstone for her goddaughter Lauren Bicket, who took her own life in May.

The £5,500 funeral was mostly funded by donations, and now Lauren’s godmother Linsey Smith, 43, from Larbreck Avenue, Layton, hopes to raise an additional £2,800 for a headstone for her grave.

Linsey, a mum-of-three who works as a support worker for people with autism and mental health conditions, said:

“Lauren struggled with her mental health from around the age of 13, and when she died unexpectedly it was so difficult to find so much money.

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“I wanted to do something to help the family with the costs of a headstone, so I shaved my head and I’m hoping we can get one for her with any money I raise.

Lauren Bicket, 20, was a keen fisherwoman and had become the first woman in Lancashire to hook a 30lb carp.Lauren Bicket, 20, was a keen fisherwoman and had become the first woman in Lancashire to hook a 30lb carp.
Lauren Bicket, 20, was a keen fisherwoman and had become the first woman in Lancashire to hook a 30lb carp.

“It would mean the world. It’s somewhere for the whole family to go and grieve, to lay down flowers, to tell her we love her.”

Kirsty shaved Linsey’s head on Saturday, with little sister Lucy on hand with hugs of support.

Linsey has already raised £1,170 towards her £2,800 target, and donations can be made here.

Related topics:Blackpool