Robbie Williams pays tribute to friend’s ‘beautiful’ daughter, 20, after she kills herself on weekend away with pals – The Sun
ROBBIE Williams has paid an emotional tribute to his friend's daughter who tragically took her own life.
Caitlin O'Reilly, 20, killed herself earlier this year on a weekend away with friends in Manchester.
Posting to his 2.6million followers on Twitter the former Take That star described Caitlin as a beautiful girl who had her whole life ahead of her.
He wrote: "I recently found out that one of my close friends from Staffordshire lost his daughter this year.
"Caitlin Nichole O'Reilly was a beautiful twenty year old girl with her whole life ahead of her. Yet she tragically took her own life.
"My friend Pete wants to use this tragic event to raise awareness of the amount of young people suffering with mental health issues. I am honoured to support him in memory of Caitlin."
Caitlin's dad Pete is one of Robbie's closets friends, Stoke Seninel reports.
In an emotional message Pete said: "Caitlin was a happy child who grew up in an extremely loving family.
"Caitlin is no longer with us but I want us all to remember her and so many other beautiful souls across the world.
"There are so many who sadly made a choice to end their lives, when action could have prevented it from happening. Together we must do all we can to help suffering, and to try to limit the devastation caused by suicide.
"Dealing with the aftermath of a loved (one) who has made the choice to end their life is incredibly difficult.
"Suicide has a devastating impact on those who are left behind, having to pick up the pieces. Sometimes there is no warning or explanation."
He also urged others suffering with mental health issues to seek help.
He wrote: "My message to anybody feeling low, or who is suffering with their own mental health in any way is to firstly recognise it. That is the most courageous step; identifying you need help. Be brave. Taking essentials. I urge you to tell your friends and loved ones how you are feeling and seek as much help as you can.
"There are so many organisations available to help you right now."
Pete raised concerns over the impact social media was having on young people.
He believes there should be a greater accountability for content on social media platforms by the companies which run them.
He said: "Children and young people need to know the dangers of social media and how to address issues they may have without resorting to harming themselves.
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
"It is staggering the amount of children and young people who feel so low they are contemplating taking their own lives. We all owe them our time, effort and experience to stop them making the same mistake as Caitlin did.
"Caitlin was someone who was always there for others. She spent a huge amount of time trying to help those experiencing low periods, or those expressing vulnerabilities.
"Caitlin's legacy will live on if we continue the fight on her behalf to help as many of those who are suffering as we can.
"This is an extremely emotional time of year. We should all consider our own actions and help those less fortunate than us. Even if it is simply picking up the phone to check someone is doing OK."
He said his friend Rob sought help managed to turn his life around.
He added: "Let's never give up for Caitlin's memory, and so many other beautiful souls around the world.
"Please tell your close friends and family how you feel. Do not bottle up your feelings. Nothing is ever as bad as you think."
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