THE family of a Powys teenager who died in August after a long battle with mental health are reopening her market stall this weekend as a tribute to their daughter.
Jessica McIvor, from Llandrindod Wells, died after being found in the Ddole Road area on Wednesday, August 23.
Dad Ross and mum Rachael said the 18-year-old was open about her mental health struggles and had sought help from professionals, especially in the days leading up to her death, but have said they felt "ignored" over their concerns.
Jessica had been a popular market trader in Mid Wales and beyond, trading under the name Imagine Aromas and selling her handmade wax melts, candles and fragrances in Llandrindod, Llanidloes and Machynlleth, even in Rhyl at weekends.
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Rachael announced on the Llanidloes Community Notice Board Facebook page earlier this month that the family would be taking on the emotional task of reopening the market stall, saying they wanted to do it in order to “make her dream work”.
Dad Ross revealed the family will be manning the stall at Llanidloes Charter Market this coming Saturday, November 25.
“We are opening Jessica's market stall, starting this weekend in Llanidloes as a family venture,” said Ross.
“I think it will help (us with) keeping busy, find our feet again and find a way forwards.”
Jessica had stopped trading at markets in Powys in her last few weeks due to struggles with her mental health.
In her early November post, Rachael said: “Some of you may remember my daughter Jessica Ellen McIvor, she used to trade a long while ago Llanidloes Charter Market.
“She had to stop when her health declined and unfortunately after a long struggle she lost her fight in August.
“Me and her sisters, dad and brother have decided to make her dream work for her so we are returning to the market. Just thought I would let you know in case any of her old regulars (are) on here.
“We won’t be using her stall yet, (we) will be using one provided by the market.”
Jessica’s death is being investigated by the coroner, with the South Wales Central Coroner's Service confirming an inquest into the teen’s death was opened on Tuesday, September 5.
A fundraising page set up by family friend Tracey Evans to help the family with funeral costs raised nearly £5,000.
Helplines
If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers
You can call the Samaritans on 116 123
Papyrus Hopeline on 0800 068 4141
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 uksobs.org
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