STRICTLY Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late brother while celebrating his life with his daughter.
Shirley, 62, revealed her heartache at losing her brother to suicide in 2003 – at the age of 44.
InstagramShirley Ballas shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late brother after his suicide[/caption]
InstagramShirley shared a photo with her brother’s daughter and their mum[/caption]
David and younger sister Shirley grew up together at their family home in Wallasey, Merseyside.
Opening up on her family’s tragic loss in a new post, the star could be seen standing next to her mum with a picture of David in the middle.
In another image, Shirley sat with her niece, David’s daughter, on a set of stairs at home.
Shirley’s heartfelt tribute read: “On the 5 th of December all those years ago. My dear brother decided to take his own life. To this day I’ll never be free of ‘What could I have done more.’
“Dearest David time goes so fast where have the years gone, you are missed on a daily basis. Talked about often and never forgotten.
“We celebrated your life yesterday, your daughter Mary, your mum and me. Still so difficult that you are not here. But I’m sure you would be so proud of Mary in so many ways.
“I’ll continue to work for @calmzone to help others like you a constant reminder to always watch out for those who are feeling low. Love you so much David you are always in our hearts. Continue to R.I.P
“Anyone out there with thoughts of loneliness or any other dark thoughts please reach out #calm to all, let’s be vigilant on checking in on our loved ones and friends this december and always.”
Shirley has previously said that she wished she could share her happiness with David, who suffered from depression, at seeing his daughter Mary grow up into an “amazing woman”.
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: “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.”
PAShirley’s son Mark has since teamed up with her to set up a charity to raise awareness for mental health issues and suicide[/caption] Read More