‘She lit up every room with her big blue eyes and her beaming smile,’ said her mum in a heartbreaking statement
Thomas Cooper and Helena Vesty NHS, social care and patients reporter
07:51, 22 Aug 2025
Mia Holland was just 13 when she died(Image: Handout/StokeLive)
A much-loved 13-year-old took a tragic ‘impulsive yet deliberate decision’ to take her own life, a court has heard, leaving her family devastated.
Mia Holland had been ‘down’ in the days beforehand but had been acting normally before she was discovered by her dad Chris in the early hours of April 7.
Mia had struggled with her mental health for a number of years.
But neither her family nor school support workers knew she would take such drastic action – as mental health workers believed that she was doing well.
Now, an inquest has ruled that Mia died by suicide.
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Staffordshire Police responded to the tragedy when Mia was found by her father, reports StokeonTrentLive.
Detective Constable Bethany Rayner told the inquest: “Uniformed officers were the first to arrive on the scene. Paramedics, her father, stepmother and siblings were all there too.
“Her father, Chris, told officers that Mia had been acting normally before she went to bed on Sunday, April 6, at around 8.30pm. But her stepmother noticed her bedroom light was still on at 1am.
“Chris went into the room and discovered her body hanging inside. Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards but there was nothing they could do. Mia was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.36am.”
‘She lit up every room’
In a heartbreaking statement, mum Laura said: “Mia was such a gentle, beautiful person. I wish I could show you all of the memories I have of her inside my head. Her laughter was infectious.
“The crinkle of her nose, her giggle and how it made everyone smile and laugh with her. She was my Christmas baby – the best gift I ever had.
“She was the kindest person. Once we had come back from walking into town, when Mia saw a homeless man. She was so worried about him, that she wasn’t satisfied with just giving him her pocket money.
“She got us to walk back into town so she could buy him a pillow, a quilt, a sandwich and water with her savings.
“Mia was always well liked, but she chose her friends carefully, which made them extra special to her. Mia had such a big heart and wanted to make people proud. She makes me proud every single day.”
Mia at her last birthday(Image: Handout/StokeLive)
In his statement, Chris said: “Mia was not only my beautiful daughter, but also an amazing sister, cousin, and cherished friend to everyone that knew her.
“She lit up every room with her big blue eyes and her beaming smile. If you wanted a cuddle, Mia would stop whatever she was doing and give you a tight squeeze. They were the best hugs.
“Mia loved being at home with her family more than anything, sitting up on the sofa and watching a film or dancing with her siblings.
“She loved practicing her hair and make-up skills. She also loved making Lego flowers. A set that should take hours would take her mere minutes. Mia cherished every moment with those who were closest to her.
“I miss you so much. Our hearts are breaking that you’re not here anymore. We talk about you every single day, sharing our beautiful memories of you. I wish you were still here, where you belong with us.”
No major issues reported at school
The inquest heard Mia had been referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) several times, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.
Dr Asjad Tarar, the safeguarding lead clinician at Lyme Valley Medical Practice, said: “She was seen on June 23, 2023, due to concerns of a possible ADHD diagnosis.
“Her parents had reported her anger outbursts had become more frequent, with behavioural issues at home and at school.
“They reported she suffered with mood swings and a lack of concentration. She was referred to CAMHS, who stated the best course of action was to refer her to the early support team.
“She had other previous referrals to CAMHS. In 2021, she was referred following a dyslexia diagnosis after an assessment at school.
“CAMHS reviewed her information and said they were not concerned and were happy with her progress. In 2020 and 2019, she was referred with anxiety symptoms.”
Mia self-harmed at school, although staff insisted the incidents were dealt with appropriately. She studied at Clayton Hall Academy until July 2024 when she moved to Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent after moving in with her father.
She then moved to Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, in Tunstall.
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Clayton Hall Academy headteacher Caty Reid said: “Mia was a well-liked, hard-working pupil. She had a positive experience at school, and we ensured we were supporting her needs.
“We were aware that Mia viewed self-harm as a coping mechanism but this was, to our knowledge, low level. We responded appropriately in accordance to our expectations.
“This included whole-staff training in the prevention and management of self-harm, with specific reference made to Mia. The school provided pastoral support and an emotional coach in relation to self-harm.
“As a school community, we were very saddened to hear of Mia’s death. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to her friends and loved-ones.”
Marianne Goodwin, deputy headteacher at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, also said that Mia was offered adequate support, with regular welfare checks put in place. No major concerns were raised during her time at the school.
Coroner’s conclusion
The cause of death was recorded as hanging.
Coroner Fiona Gingell said: “Mia was an intelligent young lady. Some level of planning went into this and she knew what the outcome of her actions would be.
“She left a ‘goodbye note’ and waited until a time she wouldn’t be disturbed. This was an impulsive yet deliberate decision.
“Her previous incidents of self-harm were handled entirely appropriately. There were no indications Mia would have taken this drastic action, despite her feeling low that evening and the day before. Nobody could have foreseen this outcome.
“Mia had a very large and loving family. It is clear she was well-liked by everyone she met. Her death at such a young age is tragic.”
Help and support
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/
