Furloughed Edinburgh Airport worker, 19, takes her own life as sister urges people to check in on their friends
THE SISTER of an Edinburgh Airport worker has urged friends to reach out to those struggling with their mental health after her sibling's tragic death.
Emily Macfarlane, 19, from Blackburn, West Lothian was found dead last week prompting an outpouring of grief as loved ones rallied round her family.
The teen, who worked at Edinburgh Airport but was on furlough, sadly passed away on Thursday.
Emily, described as "the brain box of the family", had been hopeful of attending college and university to study social sciences before her death.
Heartbroken sister Caitlyn Kennon, 22, and friend Danielle Watkins launched a fundraising drive to cover funeral costs after the devastating news.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, older sister Caitlyn said: "Emily was the bravest and strongest person of us all.
"Everybody would say Emily you could light up a room but would empty it with her voice. She had this contagious laugh.
"Emily was different in so many ways. She was unreal.
"We really all just wish we could've saved Emily. Sometimes I would look at her and think 'How are you so brave and smart?'.
"She was always a shy person but she was crazy. She was her own wee person, she was amazing."
The fundraising drive aimed to raise £1,000 for funeral costs but £6,945 has been donated so far.
You can donate to the GoFundMe page .
Emily leaves behind twin sister Rebecca, younger brother Luke and grief-stricken mum Kerrie.
Caitlyn revealed the family plans to pay for a fitting send off to her much-loved sister before finishing the decorating of the tragic teen's room.
While standing in Emily's bedroom, Caitlyn said: "It'll go to the funeral and then she had started decorating her room with one wall painted black.
"She is going to get a dressing table with lights and her room decorated for her with whats left. She always wanted that.
"I'm standing in her room now and she has a clothes rack and she is like a rainbow. She just blossomed.
"I'm with one of her cats, she had two cats called Klaus and Sandor. She loved Game of Thrones and Mary Queen of Scots.
"Her cats saved her from so many dark places. Klaus was there by her side."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
Emily's funeral will take place on Thursday May 28, with plans for anyone who knew her to line the streets as she makes her final journey from her home to Livingston Crematorium.
Only 20 people will be allowed to attend the funeral service but friends have been urged to join the gathering at Mosside Drive at 1.20pm.
Those paying their respects have also been asked to wear black or navy, which were her favourite colours, in tribute to Emily.
The family are also desperate to spread the word to everyone to check in on friends and family no matter how happy they seem.
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Caitlyn urged: "No matter what keep going and keep trying no matter how bright and happy someone seems.
"Reach out and speak to people. Emily did try and speak out to us. We tried as well and it has just been unfortunate.
"Keep being brave, keep fighting."
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123.
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