Sometimes, compassion is what we really need in this society.
Yesterday (19 October), Heidy Quah shared about a fund-raising project she had set up for a funeral. She explained to the public that this isn’t what she usually does, and told that it was extraordinary events that led to her decision — a suicide case.
Heidy met the woman a few weeks ago on the streets of Gombak. Seeing how the woman struggled in her life and relationship with her husband, Heidy convinced her to move to Refuge for the Refugees‘ office until things got better.
The woman’s list of struggle grew as her marriage with her abusive husband failed, and he left her with massive amounts of debt, as well as severe trauma. She had to deal with the emotional stress of her husband leaving her for another woman, while e also taking care of four children all on her own.
Her eldest child is 21 years old, and the siblings are 17, 10 and 3 years old. They are stateless, and they also don’t have any relatives.
Source: facebook (heidy quah)
Heidy visited the mother at their apartment building, ready to lend her ear to them as she pleaded and cried in anguish. She told Heidy that she “can no longer go on“, and the young community worker felt the pain the mum was going through as she realised she couldn’t support her family anymore.
Still, she smiled for the photo, and Heidy prepared to leave their apartment. She walked Heidy to the door and just when Heidy turned her back to walk towards the staircase, she climbed over the hallway fence and jumped off. Her children witnessed her end her life, and we really couldn’t imagine how they felt. Heidy described that the jump was sudden and desperate, and the screams were still ringing in her ears.
Source: facebook (heidy quah)
Knowing that the children wouldn’t be able to afford to pay for their late mum’s funeral, Heidy managed to raise RM5,500 within 24 hours. The amount of money was also able to fund the children for several months since the eldest child now has to bear the responsibilities of taking care of her siblings.
Deepest condolences to the woman’s family and we hope the children will be able to overcome the current demanding situations. We are also grateful for Heidy for helping the children in need.
Also read: Parliament May Soon Decriminalise Suicide Attempts By Removing It From The Penal Code
