Alex
Didn't get to celebrate his 20th birthday
Alex was our son, and just 19 when he took his own life and now does not get the chance to celebrate his 20th birthday.
I would describe Alex as a young man who had so many years ahead, he had a big heart and then even bigger personality with a cheeky smile always grinning from ear to ear.
He was so loved by so many friends, always ready to help them out if they needed him to. He loved life, music, his festivals. He was also a very gentle, caring, young man who loved his family at the time. I thought as a mum getting Alex to 19 years old, he was now an adult. Looking back he was still our little boy.
My wish for this campaign is that it would help others open up to their feelings, their worries and their problems, to reach out for help and have better understanding towards the word suicide. We are losing too many young people.
I never spoke to Alex because I didn't understand and I do now. And I wish I'd had better education back then so I could have helped him. Now is the time to help each other out more.
I would love to see families and friends being open to each other to talk about this word; help each other care more about our young ones. Hopefully more awareness in schools, clubs, more information, and to have the tools and the knowledge of where to go to find help and advice and support. I do believe if we talk more openly we can break down barriers and make a difference.
