Millie West
Millie's Cold Water Challenge
Fundraising for Epilepsy Action
Story
I will be raising money for Epilepsy Awareness in memory of my lovely, wonderful friend Jared
I first met Jared when I was around 13/14. Well, I say met, he sent me a snapchat every day asking for someone to talk. I’m sure his old friends remember this period lol. We actually met for the first time at a Crywank gig, he was my friend’s boyfriend at the time and came as her plus one. We had a wonderful time and bonded over our love of Crywank. He then came to my 16th birthday party, and since then we stayed in contact. We did so much together, we went to art galleries, gigs, parties, bbqs, Pride, out for coffee. Whatever friends do, we did it.
I was a very vulnerable person when I was younger, I was taken advantage a lot during this time. Jared was one of the first people in my life who wanted nothing from me but a friendship. He was my friend, above everything. Even when we hit rough times and everyone around us hated one another, he stayed my friend. He was always by my side, someone I could confide in, who would listen to my bullshit and offer his own back. I trusted him with my whole life. It wasn’t hard to feel that way with Jared though, he was a very trustworthy person. I would never call myself gullible, but if Jared told me the sky was falling down, I’d have to go outside and check.
When Jared left this earth, he took a piece of me with him. I always told him he had a place in my heart, as we’d sometimes go months without speaking, and I meant it.
I’m doing this challenge because Jared was always so fearless, even with his condition. He never let anything hold him back and gave everything his best shot. He was never afraid of anything. Not only that, but I’m sure he’d find it absolutely hilarious to see me running into the cold sea screaming!!!!!
A lot of my first experiences in life were shared with Jared, and now I get to experience this freezing cold water in his name. Though it’s not the same, it’s still something. I will miss him forever, there will always be a Jared shaped hole in my heart.
I love you Jdog. Rest easy ❤️