BEING a father and a grandfather I cannot imagine anything worse than losing a child.
Over the years I have covered many heart-breaking stories where someone has lost a child, none more so than the tragic death of 16-year-old Julia Derbyshire.
This week Adrian Derbyshire made the difficult decision of sharing photographs of his dying teenage daughter with the world, on what would have been her 18th birthday.
Instead of sharing a glass of champagne with his beautiful daughter he was placing roses on her grave.
She took the decision of ending her own life after being a victim of online bullying which led to mental health issues.
I can’t even begin to imagine the pain Adrian has been going through since that tragic day in October 2015 when he discovered his daughter’s lifeless body in the family home.
But I salute his campaign to raise awareness of teenage suicide, online bullying and mental health issues and will continue to support him.
I am honoured to be a trustee of his new charity and I hope the good people of Warrington will do what they can to help Adrian through these difficult times.
Adrian Derbyshire and his daughter Julia campaigning together
1 Comment
Well said Gary, Jean and I wish Adrian’s family every strength at this difficult time and best wishes with his campaigns.