Sunday 22 February 2015

RIP... Charlotte Dawson ... 1 Year On...

Charlotte Dawson was an Australian model and celebrity who suffered dreadful depression, and yet still took time out on Twitter to talk to me and chat about life, love and mental health.  She was a classy lady who did not back down from bullies.  And yet those bullies sent her to her death.

She is missed.



The 47-year-old beauty battled through years of mental health issues and was vocal about her struggle with depression.
A year on from her death, a contingent of her celebrity friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the Australia's Next Top Model panellist - including designer and colleague, Alex Perry and former contestants Simone Hotznagel and Madeline Huett.  
 
Tributes flow: Sunday marks a year since loved model and TV personality, Charlotte Dawson, took her own life at her Sydney home
Tributes flow: Sunday marks a year since loved model and TV personality, Charlotte Dawson, took her own life at her Sydney home
 
The vivacious star's dear friend, Perry kept his social media message simple with an accompanying photograph of the dynamic TV and fashion duo: 'A YEAR AGO TODAY WE LOST THIS BEAUTIFUL GIRL #charlotte.'
Charlotte's close friend and writer, Jo Thornely, posted a sentimental message via her Instagram account, alongside a picture of a Monopoly board- a game the duo shared
She wrote: 'One year ago we lost the funniest, smartest, fiercest Monopoly opponent the world has ever seen. 
 
Best friends: The vivacious star's dear friend, Alex Perry kept his social media message simple with an accompanying photograph of the dynamic TV and fashion duo: 'A YEAR AGO TODAY WE LOST THIS BEAUTIFUL GIRL #charlotte'
Best friends: The vivacious star's dear friend, Alex Perry kept his social media message simple with an accompanying photograph of the dynamic TV and fashion duo: 'A YEAR AGO TODAY WE LOST THIS BEAUTIFUL GIRL #charlotte'
Friendship endures: Didier Cohen posted this shot in memory of Charlotte, writing 'I'll never forget that smile'
Friendship endures: Didier Cohen posted this shot in memory of Charlotte, writing 'I'll never forget that smile'
 
'But, as we shouted so often over the sound of couch-cushion tambourines: you can't always get what you want. I hope you landed on Mayfair, Missus. X' 
Australia's Next Top Model contestant, Simone Hotlznagel also took to Instagram to pen an emotional message early on Sunday, writing: 'One year ago today I lost someone who was a mentor, mother figure and one of my best friends. 
'Harlot I think about you every day and I try to think of all the happy things but a few sadder things slip in sometimes... And the dreams where you call me and tell Madge and I to stop looking for you and you are watching us and we are gonna be fine. Its nice for me to still feel you around.' 
 
Sisterhood: Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson posted a snap of the women's hands, writing 'Miss you Charlotte'
Sisterhood: Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson posted a snap of the women's hands, writing 'Miss you Charlotte'
 
'I hope you landed on Mayfair': Charlotte's close friend, Jo Thornely posted a sentimental message via her Instagram account, alongside a picture of a Monopoly board
'I hope you landed on Mayfair': Charlotte's close friend, Jo Thornely posted a sentimental message via her Instagram account, alongside a picture of a Monopoly board
She also highlighted the seriousness of mental health issues by adding: 'But today I cannot stop thinking about how you should be here and I know everyone says you're at peace now and thats great, but how f****** unfair is it that one of the most beautiful, generous, smart, kind women I was lucky enough to have in my life, had to kill herself to be at peace. Harlot I love you, I miss you and I f****** wish you were here. XXXX'
 
Another ANTM graduate and Simone's best friend, Madeline Huett posted a beautiful photograph of the pair with Charlotte, who they called 'mum'.
'A whole year already.. Words can't even begin to describe how much I miss you,' she wrote.
 
'Mother figure': Australia's Next Top Model contestant, Simone Hotlznagel also took to Instagram to pen an emotional message early on Sunday
'Mother figure': Australia's Next Top Model contestant, Simone Hotlznagel also took to Instagram to pen an emotional message early on Sunday
 
'Not a single day has gone by since you decided it was your time to go that I haven't thought about you. There have been moments where I've laughed absolutely hysterically and there have been times where I have cried more tears than I thought possible when I think about you and all of our memories together'
The 27-year-old continued, adding: 'I am happier and more proud than I can say to have not only had you in my life, but to have been able to call you a best friend & mentor. Even though from the moment we met it felt like I'd known you a lifetime, I wish it was longer.
'I hope with all of me that you are resting peacefully, but I also hope you're causing some mischief and cackling with that cheeky grin of yours.. But most of all, selfishly, I just f****** wish you were here...'
Designer to the stars and Charlotte's close pal, Camilla Franks honoured the beauty with a precious snap from Australia Fashion Week in 2008.
 
Memories: Designer to the stars and Charlotte's close pal, Camilla Franks honoured the beauty with a precious snap from Australia Fashion Week in 2008
Memories: Designer to the stars and Charlotte's close pal, Camilla Franks honoured the beauty with a precious snap from Australia Fashion Week in 2008
 
The pair wore vibrant kaftans from Camilla's collection, embracing with hugs and warms smiles.
She too accompanied the photograph with a heart-warming message: 'A year ago today my heart cried. Not a day goes past that I don't think of Charlotte. We lost a beautiful woman that encouraged us to surrender our seriousness. Bravely shone a light on depression and encouraged us to stand strong and tall and speak our truth. Charlotte I will always miss your light xx C.' 
Model, Laura Dundovic celebrated Charlotte's life with a simple nod to the star's infectious personality alongside a sweet photograph.
She wrote: 'One year ago today.. All of us still missing your beautiful smile, cheeky sense of humour and warm heart xx.'
Nathan Jolliffe and Charlotte became fast friends after they both competed on Celebrity Apprentice in 2012. 
 
'I miss you Miss D': Nathan Jolliffe and Charlotte became fast friends after they both competed on Celebrity Apprentice in 2012
'I miss you Miss D': Nathan Jolliffe and Charlotte became fast friends after they both competed on Celebrity Apprentice in 2012
 
Like so many, the Sydney-based model used his Instagram account to pay tribute to his friend, writing: 'I can't believe it's been a year. I miss you Miss D.' 

Before her death, the much loved TV host was outspoken in her support of many different charities, and her legacy continues with sales from the homewares range she created before her death giving 80 per cent of its profits to her preferred charities including Lifeline, Community Brave, ACON, Angels Goals and The Smile Foundation.
The Australia's Next Top Model mentor was all too familiar with bullying and was hospitalised in 2012 after she was bombarded with hateful messages by Twitter trolls because of her involvement in an anti-bullying operation.
 
A TV favourite: The 47-year-old battled through years of mental health issues and was vocal about her struggle with depression
A TV favourite: The 47-year-old battled through years of mental health issues and was vocal about her struggle with depression
 
It was reported at the time she had attempted to take her own life.
Following her stay in hospital she appeared on A Current Affair and The Project in an attempt to expose the malice behind Twitter bullying.
In an interview with Channel 9’s 60 Minutes at the time, Charlotte said: ‘It just triggered that feeling of helplessness when the trolls got to me. They got the better of me and they won.’'
She also touched on the topic in her book, Kiss And Tell, which was released in October 2012. 
Shortly before her death, Charlotte signed on as an ambassador for a film project, Drown.
Set for release early next month in conjunction with the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the movie deals with homophobia, bullying and suicide.
 
A-team: Charlotte was a longtime judge and mentor on Australia's Next Top Model alongside good friend, Perry, host Jennifer Hawkins and Didier Cohen
A-team: Charlotte was a longtime judge and mentor on Australia's Next Top Model alongside good friend, Perry, host Jennifer Hawkins and Didier Cohen
 
 
Drown stars A Place To Call Home star Matt Levett, Jack Matthews and Harry Cook and revolves around Len (Levett) a competitive surf-lifesaver who is out shined by a younger, gay competitor called Phil (Matthews).
Len begins to bully Phil after finding out he is gay, though he himself begins to develop confusing feelings for his victim.
Len and his friend Meat (Cook) take Phil out on a night on the town which ends in tragedy.
 
The film has already sold out of its first screening at the Mardi Gras Film Festival on March 4 with another screening on March 12 still available to purchase.
 
Set for release: Before her death, Charlotte signed on as an ambassador for a film project, Drown, which stars A Place To Call Home actor, Matt Levett
Set for release: Before her death, Charlotte signed on as an ambassador for a film project, Drown, which stars A Place To Call Home actor, Matt Levett
 
Her legacy: The film has already sold out of its first screening at the Mardi Gras Film Festival on March 4 with another screening on March 12 still available to purchase
Her legacy: The film has already sold out of its first screening at the Mardi Gras Film Festival on March 4 with another screening on March 12 still available to purchase


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2963293/Tributes-flow-Charlotte-Dawson-Sunday-marks-year-took-life.html#ixzz3SSnPanOu

No comments: