The beautiful mental health cartoon made by Faye, 29, before tragic death

Hull Live 24/03/2023 James Campbell

Mental Health Awareness, Dear Friend - Faye Duerden

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Faye Duerden’s life was tragically cut short after a battle with mental illness but she left behind a powerful legacy with her compassionate film called "Dear Friend".

Faye was just 29 years old when she took her own life at her east Hull home on May 26 last year. She appeared to be progressing well, having been released from a mental health facility a few months before.

She suffered from emotionally unstable personality disorder and schizoaffective disorder but seemed determined to make something of her life. She even managed to finish her art degree at the University of Hull.

Much of her art centred around her battle with mental health and sending out messages of support and hope to others in a similar position. The videos she created used animations of her own sketches to create deeply touching messages.

An inquest into Faye's death this week concluded it was "suicide". However, when she was feeling well enough, Faye always directed her energies into art and helping others.

Speaking to Hull Live earlier this week after the inquest, her dad Mark said: "Faye loved art. She suffered with mental illness for 10 years but, during it all, she still managed to get her degree at the University of Hull.

"Getting a degree can be challenging for most people but she managed to achieve it going through what she did. You wonder what she could have gone on to do if she was well.

"Faye was so determined and when she was well she was such a bubbly character. Faye was always so caring, helpful, and selfless. She was interested in anything to do with art and was very talented. She loved to draw and write poetry. She liked anything creative which helped with her mental health. She would draw digital storyboards and post them online.

"She had aspirations to become a therapist herself and try to help others like herself. She also loved and adored her dog, Leo."

In this video she brings to life her sketches of a young woman going through pain and depressions before she gradually turns into a yellow butterfly. Her voice narrates the video, sending out compassion and urging people to seek help. You can view more of Faye’s videos by visiting her Facebook page or YouTube.

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