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Mum’s film about son’s death was ‘somewhere to put my love and grief’
Beverley Bishop has made a film called Five days to say goodbye following the death of her son, Jess Fairweather. Picture: Provided by Beverley Bishop - Credit: Archant
The finishing touches are being made to a film looking at a mother's grief after her son took his own life.
Beverley Bishop with her son Jess Fairweather on Cromer beach, where they had summer barbeques. Photo: Beverley Bishop - Credit: Beverley Bishop
Five Days to Say Goodbye will premier at a private screening at Norwich Puppet Theatre in October, and could then be used to raise awareness of suicide and grieving.
Beverley Bishop, 50, from Cromer, wanted to make the film following he death of her son Jess Fairweather last October.
The film's title refers to her last days with her son as he lay in a funeral home.
Mrs Bishop said: "The film is a labour of love. It was a way of processing my grief and expressing my thoughts and feelings.
Jess Fairweather, left, with his brother Sam, on Cromer Pier. Picture: COURTESY OF SAM FAIRWEATHER - Credit: Archant
"It was somewhere to put my love and grief."
Jess, who was 20, had just began studying law at the University of East Anglia when he died. The film is 20 minutes long.
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Mrs Bishop added: "I'm hoping that it might be used for educational purposes to raise awareness of suicide risk and also as a platform to talk about death and the grieving process.
"I think all of these subjects are still somewhat taboo in this country and I would like to use the film as a platform for debate and positive action.
"Another personal ambition would be for the film to be selected for viewing at film festivals.
"I would be really chuffed and so I believe would Jess."
Mrs Bishop said she had visited Murrell Cork Funerals in North Walsham every day in the run up to her son's funeral on October 31.
The premier will also include the Norwich Singers singing songs from Jess' favourite musicals, which include Mary Poppins, Lion King, Oliver, Chicago and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
The film was made using donated money after an online campaign. It was directed by Jak Quatermaine and filmed and edited by Esmée Walker.
Jess grew up originally in Cromer, and then in North Walsham, and had attended North Walsham High School, Paston College and then City College Norwich.
Jess was known for his spirit, intelligence and sense of humour, as well as his ability to argue his way out of any situation. He had also joined UEA's law society.
