Strictly's Shirley Ballas remembers tragic brother who killed himself on what would have been his 61st birthday
SHIRLEY Ballas has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late brother David on what would have been his 61st birthday.
The 59-year-old Strictly judge revealed her heartache at losing her brother to suicide in 2003 – at the age of 44.
David and younger sister Shirley grew up together at their family home in Wallasey, Merseyside.
Opening up on her family's tragic loss, the star wrote: "Today would have been my wonderful brother Davids 61 st birthday.
"It’s hard to imagine losing loved ones in any situation, but when they take their own life and you feel like perhaps there was more you could have done, it drags on you forever.
"Not a day goes by with out you in my thoughts. You made me laugh, you made me cry , you where my biggest supporter, my rock, my go to person. Mum and I talk all the time about you and your life, we miss you very very much."
Shirley said she wished she could share her happiness with David, who suffered from depression, at seeing his daughter Mary grow up into an "amazing woman".
She said: "How I wish to share with you how your daughter has grown into the most amazing woman, and share with you all things family, miss going with you on long runs (and pipping you at the post to win , how you would laugh at how competitive I was).
"I miss every with you David but you are in my heart and you will never be forgotten thank you for all the memories.
"Education is key to #mentalhealth.
"We have definitely progressed in this area of Mental Health in recent years. Every suicide leaves lasting effects on family and friends. #CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably is a leading movement against suicide."
Shirley concluded her post by urging anyone suffering from mental illness to ask for help.
Today would have been my wonderful brother Davids 61 st birthday. It’s hard to imagine losing loved ones in any situation, but when they take their own life and you feel like perhaps there was more you could have done, it drags on you forever.Not a day goes by with out you in my thoughts. You made me laugh , you made me cry , you where my biggest supporter, my rock , my go to person. Mum and I talk all the time about you and your life , we miss you very very much. How I wish to share with you how your daughter has grown into the most amazing woman, and share with you all things family , miss going with you on long runs (and pipping you at the post to win , how you would laugh at how competitive I was ). I miss every with you David but you are in my heart and you will never be forgotten thank you for all the memories.Education is key to #mentalhealth. We have definitely progressed in this area of Mental Health in recent years.Every suicide leaves lasting effects on family and friends.#CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably is a leading movement against suicide, The single biggest Killer of men under 45 in the uk.#Samaritans 24 hours a day confidential service offering emotional support for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those which may lead to suicide.RIP David always in our thoughts and always in our prayers. #CALM #SAMARITANS #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #suicide #suicideprevention #lovedones #family #love #listen #kindness
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YOU'RE NOT ALONE
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
She said: "The single biggest Killer of men under 45 in the uk. #Samaritans 24 hours a day confidential service offering emotional support for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those which may lead to suicide.
"RIP David always in our thoughts and always in our prayers."
Shortly after David's death, the mother of his daughter Mary died of alcoholism.
Shirley's son Mark has since teamed up with her to set up a charity to raise awareness for mental health issues and suicide.
Shirley took in Mary and raised her as her own.
The dance judge said recently: "Her mother died of alcoholism a few years after her father so she really had it tough.
“At first she kept picking the wrong men but now she’s got the most wonderful partner.
“She’s a forensic scientist for the NHS. I couldn’t be prouder of her."
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