A few months later, Catherine, Princess of Wales, was visiting Maidenhead Rugby Club as part of her Shaping Us campaign, highlighting the importance of early childhood development, wellbeing and the role that sport plays in young people's lives.

Knowing she would be there, Issy's mum, Sarah Renton, took a pair of the Issy Star earrings with her and shared her story. The Princess listened, she accepted the earrings with gratitude, and she made a promise that she would wear them.

On 10th October 2023, World Mental Health Day, she kept that promise. Watching Catherine wear The Issy Star on a poignant day, dedicated to mental health, is something I'll never forget. Suddenly, people from all over the world discovered her story. Orders poured in from all over the world. But people weren't just buying earrings.

They were connecting with something much deeper. A story that turned a simple little star into a symbol of mental health, suicide awareness and hope. A simple star that opens up a conversation.

A way to honour someone they loved.

A reminder to check in on a friend.

A conversation starter.

A symbol that says, "You're not alone."

And that is exactly what we set out to do. Since then, we've received thousands of messages from people sharing their own stories. Stories of grief, hope, survival and strength. Messages from mothers, fathers, daughters, sisters, aunties, Grandparents.... Every single message reminds me why this journey matters. Every conversation around these earrings helps break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

Every star carries a story.

And every star reminds someone that hope still exists.