‘I’m carrying you very close in my heart’: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas shares a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David 17 years after he tragically took his own life
- If you have been affected by this story, you can call Mind’s helpline on 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected]
Shirley Ballas paid a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David, 17 years after he tragically took his own life.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 60, took to Instagram on Saturday to share photos of her brother over the years, as she told fans she was ‘carrying [him] very close to my heart.’
Reflecting on his loss, Shirley also urged those who may know someone in need of help to ‘let them know you are there’ and also told those struggling to ‘reach out’ and to not feel ‘ashamed’.
‘I’m carrying you very close in my heart’: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas shared a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David via Instagram on Saturday, 17 years after he tragically took his own life
In a lengthy caption, she wrote: ‘It’s hard to imagine that 17 years ago today my wonderful brother David took his own life.
‘There is not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. With tears flowing I’m remembering how much I miss you and your cuddles, how strict you were with me so I would be safe and how you made me laugh.
‘We will be reunited one day in a place so beautiful. Until then I’m carrying you very close in my heart in all I do.’
Candid: Sharing photos of her brother, Shirley urged those who may know someone in need of help to ‘let them know you are there’ and also told those struggling to ‘reach out’
Moving: In a lengthy caption, she wrote: ‘There is not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. With tears flowing I’m remembering how much I miss you and your cuddles’
Thinking of David and their loved ones, she went on: ‘We were tremendously close in so many ways and the pain will never go away, today and everyday my heart goes out to my mother Audrey so difficult to have lost your only son, to my beautiful niece Mary and my son Mark and to all who loved you I only wish you had known how much you where loved and what an impact you made in so many peoples lives.
‘I have shared this today not only to remember my Dear Brother but because suicide and depression are tough subjects to talk about.
‘If someone you love is hurting, needing company or just a shoulder to cry on, let them know you are there and most importantly let them know you love them.’
Tribute: Shirley went on, ‘We will be reunited one day in a place so beautiful. Until then I’m carrying you very close in my heart in all I do’
Poignant: Thinking of her childhood with David, she went on: ‘We were tremendously close in so many ways and the pain will never go away’
RIP: ‘Today and everyday my heart goes out to my mother Audrey so difficult to have lost your only son, to my beautiful niece Mary and my son Mark and to all who loved you,’ she added
Shirley went on: ‘If it’s YOU feeling this way it’s nothing to be ashamed of reach out connect with family and friends or ask for help.
‘I’m sending healing energy to all who have lost loved ones and to any one who is suffering in silence. RIP David some of your favorite songs I’ll be listening to today.’
Alongside her poignant caption, Shirley shared a number of photos of David over the years, and with his daughter, as well as a picture of his ashes in an urn.
If you have been affected by this story, you can call Mind’s helpline on 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected].
Advice: Shirley also said, ‘If someone you love is hurting, needing company or just a shoulder to cry on, let them know you are there and most importantly let them know you love them’
Post: Alongside her poignant caption, Shirley shared a number of photos of David over the years, and with his daughter, as well as a picture of his ashes in an urn