Building a legacy of love out of family tragedy

Fly High Billie
Strong. Focused. Compassionate

Danny Mayson-Kinder’s world was shattered in 2016 when she lost her 12-year-old daughter, Billie, in a tragic horse accident.

But she has ensured Billie’s legacy lives on with the charity Fly High Billie, which is dedicated to promoting kindness, empathy and compassion in children.

“When our beautiful daughter died, we received thousands of messages saying how kind and empathetic she was. We decided that Billie's legacy would become one of kindness,” Danny says.

Fly High Billie publishes interactive B Kinder workbooks and other merchandise for children to promote kindness, empathy and compassion to prevent mental health issues, bullying and suicide.

Central to the charity’s mission is spreading a message to "B Kinder" (be kinder), a reference to Billie’s name and her compassionate nature.

Danny says it is humbling to be voted a Westfield Local Hero. “Not only is it wonderful to be recognised by the local community, but it also means that people are recognising the need for our positive B Kinder message.”

She is also excited about the opportunity to expand the charity's mission.

“Billie’s dream was to write a book, so I compiled her poems, stories and artwork into a beautiful book called Hope,” says Danny.

“Through Billie’s amazing gift of empathy and insight, this book inspires and gives hope to others.”

Sales of Hope and the workbooks have raised over $130,000, which has been donated to charities such as Bear Cottage children's palliative care home and Feel the Magic, which supports children’s physical and mental health.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation.

Fly High Billie will use its grant for marketing, printing, bookkeeping, and to commission a social impact report on the B Kinder workbooks to boost the evidence base for the project.

“The grant means so much to us,” Danny says. “We really want to spread our B Kinder messages and our unique, positive and empowering resources for children.”

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __