Painted rocks travel around the world to keep a Worthing teenager's memory alive

Shelley and James Stoner created Millie Rocks in loving memory of their daughter Millie, who passed away from a brain tumour in 2023.

They say she will be 'forever 18' and they are asking people who find a rock to share its location, then relocate it to keep Millie’s journey going.

Painting sessions have been held at The Longshore in Shoreham to raise money for Chestnut Tree House, where Millie was cared for at the end of her life and encouraged to live fully in the precious time she had left.

People were asked to paint a rock and take it on holiday with them, 'so Millie can go anywhere and everywhere'.

Shelley started by lovingly painting rocks in Millie’s memory, then taking them to different locations. They were photographed and shared on social media before being left for someone else to discover.

What began as a personal tribute has developed into a worldwide phenomenon, with Millie Rocks travelling thousands of miles, reaching Bali, San Francisco, Santorini, Mykonos, Madrid, Amsterdam, Mount Snowdon and Edinburgh, as well as countless locations across the UK.

Shelley said: “Each rock carries Millie’s memory to another destination, with people encouraged to share photographs of where they have taken or discovered one.

“Millie may no longer be here with us but knowing that her name is travelling around the world means so much. Every photograph we receive makes us smile. It’s lovely to think that people who never had the chance to meet Millie are now becoming part of her story.”

Millie's courage and spirit continue to touch many people and her legacy lives on through the annual Worthing Community Awards, organised by family friend Melanie Peters. The Young Community Hero Award is named in her memory and it recognises young people who make a positive difference in their communities.

The family hopes Millie Rocks will continue travelling, introducing more people to Millie’s story and keeping her memory alive across the world.

Anyone who takes a Millie Rock on its travels or discovers one anywhere in the world is encouraged to photograph it and share the location on Facebook or Instagram, tagging @milliesjourney05 so the family can follow its journey.