How the loss of a daughter inspired a lifeline for Dundee families

Freya Skene died in a tragic accident in July 2020

Freya Skene was seven years old when she died after getting into difficulty in the water at Dunkeld in July 2020.

Her mother, Brooke Reid, was in the water with her and managed to survive the incident.

Since that day, she has carried the immense weight of losing who she calls her "beautiful little butterfly".

Five years on, Brooke has channelled her grief into creating Freya's Wish - a Dundee-based community hub that has become a lifeline for local families.

She told BBC Scotland News her perspective on life has changed completely since the loss of Freya.

"The things I once used to fret over and get stressed about, they're just not relevant anymore.

"Nobody is promised tomorrow so we need to live now and make the most of every single minute we have, and make it beautiful."

Brooke recalled that Freya was a generous and compassionate child, who once donated all her toys to a charity that recycled them for kids who had less.

"She had such a big heart. Her spark, her character… she had it right to a T. We should all be like that."

A day that changed everything

The pain of losing Freya has not faded for Brooke.

"I definitely think it gets harder. People move on and start to focus on their own lives again, and they forget. But for me, it feels like yesterday."

She remembers the day Freya died began as a warm, carefree summer outing during the 2020 lockdown.

Nothing seemed dangerous and there were no signs warning visitors of risks.

"We were having a great day out, playing in the Fairy Pools. What we weren't aware of was that currents change at certain points of the day.

"When we were in the water, out of nowhere, a current came and dragged me and Freya down, under the waterfall."

She believes better education and resources about the dangers of natural waters could save lives.

"Especially in Scotland, we're known for our beautiful destinations and natural waters. But we are not taught much about water safety."

Brooke Reid is determined to pay tribute to her daughter's memory

Freya's Wish was founded in September 2020, just months after the tragedy, and Brooke threw herself into the work as a way to cope with her loss.

What began as a personal tribute has grown into a community space where Brooke says "people can be who they want to be without judgement".

"If somebody needs my support in any way, whether it's me helping them or passing them on to someone else who can, it's an open door."

She says memories of good times with her daughter became her motivation and drove her desire for other families to have that same chance.

Freystival - a way to remember

It has even inspired Freystival. A family-friendly community festival that aims to be affordable.

"Things are expensive now and people have to work crazy hours to afford anything that feels like a luxury," she explains.

"There are financial barriers for families to create magical days. Most people don't have £400 to spend on a festival with their family."

This year's event is taking place at Mains Castle in Dundee on Friday and Brooke says she can picture exactly how her daughter would react to it.

"I think Freya would be absolutely buzzing. She was stuck to me like glue.

"She always wanted to be involved and do what's right, so she would be in awe if she was here today."

Living with loss

For Brooke, Freya's Wish has become a place where Brooke can continue to be a mother to her daughter, even in a different way.

"You have to find the inner strength to share their soul and their love."

Brooke believes love and community are at the heart of healing.

"Most people in life suffer in some way, but it's about looking at it differently. We're all suffering, but if we were in this together, sharing love and supporting each other, we would all win in life.

"Love is the core of everything we do."

Brooke says memories of good times with her daughter give her motivation