Anti-Suicide Campaigner Dies by Suicide, Overcome by Shame

An anti-suicide campaigner died by suicide, feeling too embarrassed to disclose her personal struggles to the very organization she worked for. Lara Kynvin, 57, was a leading voice for suicide awareness but struggled to communicate her own mental health crisis.

Kynvin, described as compassionate and hardworking, served as an advisor to the NHS for mental health and worked with suicide prevention charities. Tragically, she died by suicide just seven weeks after organizing an anti-suicide event in Portsmouth, Hampshire, where she was found deceased at her home on November 14, 2025.

Her involvement in suicide prevention began after she experienced mental health struggles and made multiple suicide attempts during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Following her recovery, she dedicated herself to preventing others from experiencing similar pain.

Her brother, Nick Kynvin, told Portsmouth Coroner's Court that Lara was deeply compassionate and driven. He recounted an incident in 2020 where she attempted suicide by entering a lake, an event she seemed embarrassed by afterward. He noted that the lockdown significantly impacted her, leading to nine subsequent suicide attempts, one of which resulted in a broken ankle and chronic pain.

In October 2023, Kynvin was admitted to a mental health hospital and underwent various therapies. Upon her release three months later, she felt significantly improved and became actively involved in suicide prevention initiatives. She contributed to the charity Speak Their Names by creating a quilt for awareness and also took on a role as an NHS Advisor for mental health.

In 2024, Kynvin participated as a 'baton bearer' for Baton Of Hope UK, a charity that uses a ceremonial baton carried through cities to raise awareness. Inspired by this, she spearheaded efforts to bring the project to her native Portsmouth, leading the city's initiative when the baton arrived on September 26, 2025.

While pleased with the Portsmouth event, Kynvin experienced a significant emotional low once the work concluded. She contacted mental health services, including her GP and the crisis team, but eventually disengaged from them, never revealing the depth of her struggles to anyone.

Her death was ruled a suicide. Hampshire Coroner Christopher Wilkinson noted that Kynvin's commitment to her work brought considerable pressure. He suggested that her stoic and private nature, particularly regarding her mental health, may have contributed to her reluctance to seek help, even from organizations dedicated to supporting those in distress.

Wilkinson believed that while support was available, Kynvin chose not to access it, possibly due to pride or embarrassment. He concluded that she felt unable to continue with her internal struggles and that her death was a result of chronic pain and depression. The coroner expressed hope that her legacy in suicide prevention would inspire others and help prevent future deaths. For confidential support, individuals can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.