A Cumbrian family is planning a day of joy in memory of their 19-year-old daughter.
Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck died at her Wiltshire barracks on December 15 2021.
Her family said: “It’s hard to put into words what that day did to us. It’s like the world tilted, and we’ve been trying to find our balance ever since.
“The world became a much darker place as we lost someone who brought so much light, laughter, and joy into our lives.
“To us, Jaysley is a belter, and that’s exactly how she will be remembered.”
They hope the event, She’s a Belter, at Manor House, Oxen Park, near Ulverston, on Saturday, July 26, will be a day filled with music, meaning and togetherness.
It will be just as Jaysley would have wanted, they said.
They added: “She never wanted anyone to feel alone and this is a reflection of her spirit.”
They are raising money for the Centre for Military Justice, which has supported them since Jaysley’s death.
She took her own life after she was sexually assaulted by a superior.
An inquest found the army’s failure to take action contributed to her suicide.
The Ministry of Defence apologised for its failure to protect her and said it had stepped up efforts to reform the armed services in Jaysley’s honour.
Her mum, Leighann McCready, said: “Jaysley had been sexually assaulted and harassed while serving in the army.
“She carried that pain quietly, trying to carry on, just like so many others do.
“She had reported it, and the outcome was nothing but an apology letter. She was failed by the very system that should have protected her and one that she dedicated herself to as the proud soldier she was.
“She’s no longer here to speak for herself. So we will. We are Jaysley’s voice.
“The Centre for Military Justice has been with us from the very start. They’ve offered support, advice and strength, when we needed it the most. They believed in us. They continue to help families like ours find answers and hope.
“We’ll keep going for her, and for everyone else still carrying something too heavy on their own.
“We all carry something. Let’s carry it together.
“Because this isn’t just about remembering Jaysley. It’s about making sure no one else is forgotten. No one else is left to suffer in silence.
“So many of us carry things no one else can see – grief, pressure, trauma, worry. One conversation, one connection, can make a difference. This day is about that.”
The event starts at 1pm and will include live music, a barbecue, outdoor bar, raffles, an auction, DJ and more with performances from Drum Nation, Jay Broome, Underdogs, Leon Night, Route 66, Men in Hats and DJ Denis Horan.
Entry is £5, payable on the day and doors open at 1pm.
It will be cash only for the outdoor festival. Card payments can still be used inside the Manor as normal.
Jaysley’s family added: “By supporting this event, you’re helping make sure more families can access the support, advice and care they need.
“Please support if you can. Donate, share or join us on the day. It all helps to make a difference.”
To support Jaysley’s Voice, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/leighann-mccready-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
