LOVE Island’s Dr Alex George is struggling to pick up the pieces in the days after the sudden death of his younger brother.
The reality star, 30, on Friday revealed his sibling – Llŷr- lost his battle with mental health – just weeks before he was due to start medical school.
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Dr Alex has kept his fans updated on how he was coping and thanked them for their support.
He also shared an important message with them on Monday.
He wrote on his Instagram stories: “These are the hardest times I could ever have imagined.
“The kindness and love our family has received has been incredible and I am so grateful.
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“In the darkest times we must pick ourselves up, find strength and be there for our family and friends.
“That is exactly what I’ll do.”
Dr Alex’s heart wrenching post came after This Morning presenter, Ruth Langsford shared her condolences with the family.
Ruth, 60, admitted she understood his pain after her sister Julia took her own life last June at the age of 62.
She wrote: “Alex, I am so, so sorry for your tragic loss. I lost my sister to mental health last year so I understand the pain and shock you and your family will be feeling.
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“I send you the hugest of hugs and if you ever need to talk you know how to reach me.
“My condolences to you and your family and may your darling brother rest in peace.”
Alex shared the heartbreaking news about “beautiful” Llŷr on Instagram on Friday, writing at the time: “I can’t believe I am actually writing this post.
“I have lost my beautiful little brother to mental health. I love you so much Llŷr. The kindest and most caring soul.
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“I was so proud of you starting medical school next month, you would have been the most incredible doctor.
We are hurting so bad. No words can explain.
“As a family we are devastated. We love you and miss you so much. Please rest in peace x Our boy.”
On Saturday, he shared a photo of himself with an arm around his younger sibling as he told followers: “Thank you for all the messages of kindness here and to my phone.
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“I am incredibly grateful of the support and it means so much.
“I am sorry that I can’t reply yet. I need to try and process what has happened somehow.”
Llŷr’s cause of death has not been confirmed.
Ruth was left distraught when her sister took her own life last year, telling her followers at the time that Julia had suffered “a very long illness”.
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She said: “My lovely sis Julia has sadly died after a very long illness. My heart is completely broken.
“She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever. As I am sure you will appreciate I need to take time to grieve with my family.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
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Her husband Eamonn was comforted by Rylan on This Morning last June as he struggled to read out Ruth’s Instagram message about her bereavement, with Ruth cancelling all TV commitments as she came to terms with her loss.
A source told The Sun Online at the time: “Ruth is utterly heartbroken and devastated to have found out her beloved sister Julia has died.
“She adored Julia. They were very close – speaking all the time on the phone and enjoying girls’ days out.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
