Brianna Ghey: A Mother’s Story (with Esther Ghey)

• Warning: some listeners may find this episode of the Pridecast and the documentary upsetting. Details of advice and helplines are listed below.

Brianna Ghey: A Mother’s Story (with Esther Ghey)If you’ve followed the story of Brianna Ghey, the 16-year-old who was brutally murdered in 2023, you’ll have seen the incredible strength and courage of her mother, Esther Ghey. Over the past year, Esther has turned her tragedy into powerful activism, shining a spotlight on some of the dangerous content young people can access online to campaigning for mindfulness lessons to be introduced into schools. Now, Esther is sharing her story in a new documentary on ITV, Brianna Ghey: A Mother’s Story.

On 11th of February 2023 Brianna was savagely killed in a park in Warrington. Her killers Scarlett Jenkinson, and Eddie Ratcliffe - who were only 15 at the time - were both given life sentences after their frenzied attack on the 16 year-old. In court the judge said the “exceptionally brutal” murder had elements of both sadism by Jenkinson and transphobic hate on the part of Ratcliffe. 

The documentary follows Esther’s journey since losing Brianna, a loss that also deeply affected the transgender community. It’s a personal and intimate look at grief and the deep love between a mother and her daughter, as well as Esther’s tireless work to create positive change in Brianna’s memory.

In the latest ITV Pridecast, Esther sits down with Liam McConkey to talk openly about making the documentary, what motivates her activism, and why she’s campaigning for more compassion and mindfulness in schools. She also discusses the importance of speaking out for young trans people and highlighting the ongoing struggles they face.

The documentary’s release, which is just days before Trans Day of Visibility on 31st March  adds a powerful and poignant layer to its message; that trans lives must be seen, supported, and safeguarded.If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised, you can visit itv.com/helplines or itv.com/advice. 

Brianna: A Mother's Story airs at 9pm on Thursday 27th of March on ITV1. An extended version is available to stream on ITVX. Also available on STV and STV Player 


Available support from charities: 

Mind: 0300 102 1234
[e-mail]
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

Young Minds Parents helpline:
0808 802 5544  [e-mail]
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/

Childline / NSPCC 0808 8005000
Childline - 0800 1111
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/nspcc-helpline/
https://www.childline.org.uk/

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Chat Samaritans: https://chat.sa