Winner of the Twinkle for Heather Hoodie Competition Announced

Gracie McAteer has been announced as the winner of a special hoodie design competition created to raise awareness of mental health and encourage open conversations across our community.

The competition was organised by Furness College in partnership with Twinkle for Heather, an initiative promoting Girlguiding North Lonsdale Division’s Mental Health Awareness badge. The campaign was established in memory of former student Heather Porter, who sadly died by suicide at the age of 22. Twinkle for Heather works to normalise conversations about mental health for people of all ages and to reduce the stigma around asking for support.

Students were invited to design a hoodie that would inspire others to talk more openly about their feelings. The response was outstanding, with a large number of thoughtful and creative entries submitted. One overall winner and ten runners-up were selected.

The winning design was created by Furness College student Gracie, whose work was praised for its simplicity and emotional impact.

Speaking about her success, Gracie said:

“I hadn’t heard about Twinkle for Heather before this competition, so I looked it up and found out about it. I entered because it is a good cause and I wanted to spread awareness. I am really happy to be the winner and to be able to do something for this good cause.”

Gracie recently had the opportunity to see her design brought to life at Identity, printing it onto a hoodie alongside Sarah Milligan and Phill Porter from Twinkle for Heather. The experience highlighted the power of collaboration in delivering meaningful projects that support wellbeing and community awareness.

Sarah Milligan and Phill Porter, founders of Twinkle for Heather, said:

“Gracie’s winning design was chosen because the message was simple yet very emotive and impactful. It reflects the whole idea behind the Twinkle for Heather campaign, created in memory of our beautiful daughter Heather, who we lost to suicide at the age of 22.
We want people to understand that reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness.”

Furness College would also like to thank Kay and Mel from Identity for their generous support in donating the hoodies and helping bring Gracie’s message to life.

This project was developed with a clear aim: to encourage conversations about mental health and remind people that support is available. By empowering students to use their creativity for a positive cause, the College continues its commitment to promoting wellbeing, inclusion and community partnership.

If you or someone you know needs support, please speak to a trusted member of staff, contact your GP, or reach out to organisations such as Samaritans on 116 123, available 24 hours a day.

Hoodies are available to purchase from Identity.