Key Takeaways
- Grace Elizabeth Nevens, a 22-year-old mental health charity volunteer, passed away by su*cide on November 4, 2024, prompting an outpouring of tributes and support.
- Her sister Lucy’s emotional TikTok tribute went viral, inspiring thousands of strangers to share messages of solidarity and pledges to honor Grace’s memory.
- Friends and family launched “22 for Grace,” a fundraising initiative challenging participants to run 22 kilometers in 22 hours, transforming grief into meaningful action for mental health awareness.
A wave of heartfelt tributes and support has followed the tragic loss of Grace Elizabeth Nevens, a 22-year-old volunteer for mental health charity Mind, who took her own life on November 4, 2024.
Grace, from Morpeth, was balancing university life, athletics training, charity work, and an active social life when her life was tragically cut short.
Her family, friends, and the wider community are now honoring her legacy through love, remembrance, and action.
A Heartbreaking Tribute Goes Viral
In an emotional TikTok tribute, Grace’s sister Lucy Nevens shared a clip of Grace beaming as she held a birthday cake, just months before her passing.
The video was captioned:
“One minute you’re celebrating your sister’s 22nd birthday with her, 6 months later you’re sat at her funeral – I’ll love you forever Gracie.”
Via TikTok
@lucynevens i’ll love you forever gracie
♬ sonido original – wil
The video has since gone viral, and thousands of people have responded.
Strangers have shared messages of solidarity, with many pledging to celebrate their own birthdays in Grace’s honor.
One user wrote:
“I’m Gracie, I’m 22 next month – I’ll celebrate for your Gracie too.”
Another promised:
“My little girl’s name is Gracie and I promise every year on her birthday we’ll light an extra candle for your Gracie too. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Lucy shared that Grace’s favorite color was pink and that she adored dogs, especially their Chihuahua, Maya.
Remembering Grace
In a deeply moving Facebook post, Lucy described her sister as:
“The most beautiful person, both inside and out, with chocolate button eyes… funny, strong, passionate… she would give anyone her last penny if it meant helping someone out even slightly.”
Via Facebook
Grace had already accomplished so much—balancing charity work with her studies and athletics—and was loved deeply by everyone who knew her.
Lucy continued:
“She was an amazing daughter, sister, girlfriend, and friend. For now, all we can do is cherish the many happy memories we have.”
Via Facebook
“22 for Grace”: Turning Grief Into Action
To honor Grace’s life and her passion for mental health advocacy, friends and fellow Leeds University Union Athletics Club members have launched a moving fundraiser called “22 for Grace.”
The initiative challenges participants to run 22 kilometers in 22 hours, symbolizing the 22 years of Grace’s life.
Grace’s family—her parents Sharon, Neil, and Lucy—joined the effort, choosing to run a different route marked by places Grace loved.
“Grace was a beautiful kind soul who enriched the lives of everyone she met despite struggling with her own mental health… She has left a family and community bereft.”
Grace’s story powerfully reminds us of the invisible battles so many people face.
Her impact continues to grow through her kindness and dedication to others and, now, through the movement her memory has inspired.
In honoring Grace, her loved ones are not just mourning her, but also fighting to ensure others receive the help and support they need. Her legacy is one of compassion, courage, and community.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out. You are never alone.
Rest in peace, Grace. You are loved, and you will never be forgotten.
