Anti-Suicide Campaigner Took Own Life Due to Embarrassment Over Struggles, Inquest Reveals

An anti-suicide campaigner who dedicated herself to raising awareness about mental health died by suicide because she felt too embarrassed to tell people, including the charity she worked for, about her own struggles. Lara Kynvin, 57, was found dead at her home in Waterlooville, near Portsmouth, England, on November 14, 2025.

Kynvin's brother, Nick Kynvin, told Portsmouth Coroner's Court that his sister had experienced mental health struggles during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, which led to multiple suicide attempts. After one attempt, she broke her ankle, resulting in chronic pain.

Following her personal experiences, Kynvin became deeply involved in suicide prevention efforts. She worked as an NHS advisor for mental health and was a project lead for Baton Of Hope UK, a charity where community leaders walk through a city carrying a baton to raise awareness. In September 2025, Kynvin organized the Baton of Hope event in her native Portsmouth.

Despite the success of the event, Kynvin experienced a significant emotional low afterward. Although she contacted mental health services, including her GP and the crisis team, she soon stopped engaging with them and did not disclose the extent of her internal struggles to anyone. A coroner noted that Kynvin was a stoic and private person, and her commitment to her work may have served as a distraction from her own mental health issues.

Hampshire Coroner Christopher Wilkinson stated that Kynvin felt unable to reach out for help, possibly due to pride or embarrassment, particularly to a charity focused on assisting those in distress. He concluded that Kynvin took her own life while suffering from chronic pain and depression. Wilkinson added that Kynvin's legacy of helping others prevent their deaths should be a source of pride for her family.