The mother of a Falmouth teenager who tragically took her own life last year has opened a shop in her memory in the hope of helping others in need of support.
Sophie Alway has opened the Georgia's Voice Pre-loved Boutique at 5 Killigrew Street, in memory of her daughter Georgia Gallaway.
Georgia was just 19 years old when she took her own life in July last year, during lockdown.
Since then Sophie has set up the charity Georgia's Voice, providing small, free and confidential support groups for young women with mental health concerns.
They are held around Cornwall including in Falmouth, Redruth, Camborne, Truro, St Austell and a new group in St Stephen's.
The new shop will help fund the support groups, training for new facilitators, and activities or talking therapy for members.
It was unveiled on Saturday, when it had its official opening with mayor Steve Eva and deputy mayor Kirstie Edwards.
Scenic Route Music and Yew Music were also on hand to perform throughout the afternoon.
Georgia's mum Sophie Alway (centre) with deputy Falmouth mayor Kirstie Edwards and mayor Steve Eva
Sophie said she was delighted with how the first day had gone, describing it as an "absolutely overwhelmingly fantastic first day."
She added: "Thank you to each and every person who has donated items, and to every single customer that visited the shop today, including the mayor and his lovely wife, and Councillor Kirstie Edwards, deputy mayor for Falmouth, as well as Falmouth LGBTQ Foundation Trust.
"Thank you to Scenic Route Music and Yew Music for the phenomenal singing and guitar.
"Lastly an extra massive big thank you to volunteers Tina Westall and Julie Lusk who kept the system running smoothly and the rails full and beautiful."
The shop will now be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
In post on the Georgia's Voice charity Facebook page, Sophie explained the reason behind the charity.
Georgia's mum Sophie Alway in the new shop
She said: "I’m striving to make a difference to the life of others as well as ensuring Georgia’s name lives on forever, this has given me purpose, I’ve had massive self growth, and I honestly am happy.
"Of course I still miss Georgia every single day, how could I not. My love for her is still as big as the day she was born, but I’ve chosen to take my grief, my heartache, my sorrow, my love and my passion and use it as fuel to create a legacy she would be proud of, to live a life she would smile about, for her and for me.
"Georgia may be gone, but she is saving the lives of others. This is the way I choose to live my life; you can grow through grief, there can be life after loss, and you can feel happy again after heartbreak, if you only allow yourself to."
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