The tragic death of Mared Foulkes, a 21-year-old student from Menai Bridge, has sparked a powerful campaign for improved mental health and communication practices at universities.
Mared took her life on July 8, 2020, after receiving an email from Cardiff University telling her she had failed an exam, which would prevent her from progressing to her third year of pharmacy studies.
The message left her devastated, but it later emerged that the university had made a mistake.
Mared had actually passed with a 62% score, not the 39% they had stated.
A Shocking Lack of Communication
Mared’s parents, Iona and Glyngwyn Foulkes, were initially unaware of the error and the profound impact it had on their daughter.
The inquest, held in October 2021, found that the university’s communication was “complex and confusing.”
Acting Coroner Katie Sutherland concluded that the failure to properly inform Mared of her results contributed to her tragic death.
Mared’s mother, Iona, described the experience as devastating, saying, “This family unit has gone forever.”
A Call for Change
Now, Mared’s family is part of the “For the 100” campaign, advocating for better duty of care for students.
The campaign’s name highlights the fact that over 100 students in the UK die by suicide each year.
Iona shared that Mared had sought help from the university’s support services nine months before her death, but the family was unaware of these visits until a year after Mared’s passing.
The lack of communication about her mental health was “shocking,” according to Iona, and she is determined to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain.
A Grieving Mother’s Efforts
As a grieving mother, Iona has taken it upon herself to create a report that outlines recommendations for universities on how to improve communication with families about students’ mental health.
One of the key proposals is an “opt-out” system, where students can choose whether or not to share mental health concerns with their parents.
This, Iona believes, could prevent unnecessary tragedies in the future.
Dr. Emma Roberts, a solicitor who assisted with the report, explained that current confidentiality laws prevent universities from contacting families in the event of a serious welfare or mental health crisis.
She called for legal changes to ensure a consistent approach across universities, allowing families to be notified when a student is at risk.
University’s Response
Cardiff University has apologized for the pain caused to Mared’s family, stating that it was never their intention to show a lack of sympathy.
Following the inquest, the university made several changes to its procedures, including revising how academic failures are communicated and ceasing the practice of using estimated marks.
The university also acknowledged the importance of clearer communication and is reviewing its mental health and suicide prevention strategies.
Additionally, Cardiff University has introduced a system allowing students to nominate a specific contact person who will be notified if serious concerns arise.
However, they stressed the importance of respecting students’ privacy, as some may not want their parents informed about their wellbeing.
The Road Ahead
Iona’s campaign and report are gaining traction, with the hope of sparking nationwide change in how universities approach student mental health.
The aim is to prevent other families from enduring the same heartbreak and to ensure better care and communication for students in crisis.
The documentary Y Byd ar Bedwar: Marwolaeth Mared Foulkes, which airs on S4C on November 11, will further highlight Mared’s story and the ongoing fight for better mental health support at universities.
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