A BARNSLEY family have channelled their grief into fundraising for a charity which supported their child towards the end of their life.

Annie Cotterill-Bolsover, who identified as transgender, suffered from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which caused significant physical and emotional challenges.

Known to their friends as Jae, struggled to manage the condition in their teenage years, which put a strain on the family, who were also caring for a younger sibling with autism and severe learning difficulties who needed constant care.

When things came to a head, the family agreed they should reach out for help and find Annie somewhere else to live, where they could be supported to manage their condition and gain more independence.

This resulted in their referral to Centrepoint’s supported accommodation in Barnsley, where staff helped Annie manage their condition as well as mend the relationships which had fractured before they left home.

At Centrepoint, Annie flourished thanks to the independence the accommodation offered, as well as support from staff which the family say was the making of them.

Annie died in April 2023 following complications with their health, just a week before their 21st birthday.

Despite the grief the family have suffered since Annie’s passing, they have found ways to celebrate Annie’s life and give back to the charity that helped them towards the end of their life.

Annie’s mum, Katie, wanted to create a lasting legacy and subsequently raised money at their funeral for Centrepoint.

On Monday, a communal space named ‘Annie’s Annexe’ was officially opened which will offer young people supported by the charity access to a new, bright and calm space for activities and one-to-one sessions with staff.

A plaque and picture of Annie was also proudly unveiled by their family as part of the official opening.

Funding from Annie’s family as well as the National Lottery helped make the new space a reality.

Katie said: “Annie was in a really good place at the time of their passing.

“They were ready to take off.

“I was so proud of them.

“They had found their tribe, and they had become mature and independent.

“I can’t thank the staff enough for what they did to support them.

“I want Centrepoint to be celebrated for their amazing work, and I want to raise awareness about Annie’s condition.

“It’s often ignored, but if one person gets diagnosed then something good has come from our loss.

“Annie wasn’t old enough to have produced a legacy.

“They didn’t have children, and they were just about to spread their wings and fly into adulthood.

“They will always be remembered by us of course, but now they will have a legacy at the service that helped them.

“They will have a plaque and a photo with their story.

“It’s more than I could have ever dreamed of.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to square the circle.”

Liz Barton-Rossall, service manager at Centrepoint in Barnsley, attended the unveiling on Monday.

She added: “When Annie’s family told me about the pledge they wanted to make, I was speechless.

“I couldn’t comprehend how in the depths of grief they were able to consider doing this for us, together with the support of colleagues in fundraising and the National Lottery.

“I am so thankful to Annie’s family for giving us this opportunity and it went without question that it should bare Annie’s name as a lasting legacy to their memory.”