The void and emptiness that is left, for myself, my beloved brother, James, and my mum is unimaginable. He was our very own hero, an ex-military, incredibly talented triathlete, personal trainer, he spent 26 years in the fire service and was always, always, always helping others before himself. He was the most selfless man I had ever known. My dad was the kindest, most loving, courageous man. He was the best of sons, husbands and brothers. He was funny, so funny, he was quick-witted, an amazing mimick and full of mischief. He was highly empathic and carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was sensitive to everyone’s needs but his own. He wanted to rescue. He wanted to heal people. He always knew what someone was feeling without even asking. He knew that something was up without knowing how or why. My dad carried this beautiful trait and gift of empathy, he had such a big heart.

But every day he felt lost, he struggled with daily life. He said he didn't feel any joy in life, his was all a pretence.

He was our best friend as well as our father and we will be forever grateful for the incredible childhood, loving relationship and special bond we had with him. Our lives were so full of love and happiness it is still impossible to believe that this could have happened. But it did. And now things have got to change.

My dad knew that he was loved and supported, and we knew he loved us back. But we couldn't fix him and we couldnt make him stay.

I have never known the pain of despair so deep that I feel oblivion is a better option.To all those who have been left behind by a family member or friend who has taken the decision to end their own suffering my heart breaks for you.

I will miss my dad every single day and I only wish his life had been of more value and joy to him - because it was to us.

Despite the heartbreak it causes me to talk about it, I feel like it’s important to share what happened as a warning to others about the dangers of depression and suicide. I hope this campaign helps to raise both awareness and support for those fighting the invisible battle against mental illness.

I don’t want how he died to be a secret. If more people talked about suicide without the label of it being ‘shameful’ and if people understood how quickly depression can take over, then there might be fewer deaths - and fewer children that lose their fathers so tragically.

I’m not ashamed of how my dad died, but I'm proud of how he lived; the happiness he brought to people all over the world, the way he taught and inspired me to be the strong, independent and brave woman that I am today.

My dad was my hero. And Sometimes, hero’s struggle too. And that’s okay. But it’s now my purpose to encourage hero’s to speak out about their struggles. To shine a light on the deafening darkness and silence around mental health and suicide.

Dad, my angel, you have reminded me that each moment, I’m loved by you with no if’s, no but’s and no why’s. That I am so valuable, worthy, and created for a purpose - a purpose that before this, I was a little unsure of.

By no means will this be an easy journey to find the light amid the darkness, how can it, I've lost my only hero and best friend. But I do know that the endless support, kindness and generous donations from those around us during this difficult time will keep us all going and make my dad proud that awareness is being raised to fight the stigma against mental health.