On 12th July 2026, our lives changed forever.

Our beautiful son, Freddie Mitchell, died suddenly at just 33 years of age.

As a family, we are devastated. The loss of Freddie has left a hole that can never be filled, and every day we are trying to come to terms with a future without his infectious smile, his cheeky sense of humour and the huge personality that made him so unforgettable.

Freddie wasn’t perfect. He would have been the first to admit that. He could be stubborn, and, as I often joked with him, “a total dick.” It became our running joke every birthday that I’d tell him, “Well, you’ve managed to get through another year!”

That was Freddie. He’d laugh, and carry on.

But behind that smile, Freddie was living with challenges that so many people never saw.

He had ADHD, and like far too many adults with ADHD, he also struggled with emotional overwhelm and periods of alcohol and substance misuse. These are conversations that are still not happening often enough, and they are challenges that affect not only the individual but everyone who loves them.

Since Freddie’s death, we have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages from friends, neighbours and people whose lives he touched.

They remember his laughter.

His kindness.

The way he always remembered people’s names.

The way he could make everyone around him smile.

One friend wrote, “Forever a dick, forever in our hearts.”

Another said, “All I remember is a lot of laughing.”

One more was “It is an honour to be his friend and have acquired an adopted little brother I never planned to have , forever a dick, forever in our hearts ❤️

Reading these messages has reminded us that Freddie was loved far more deeply than he ever realised.

His story has also made us realise something else.

Over the years, we have seen how difficult it can be for people and their families to navigate ADHD, mental health support, addiction services, healthcare, housing, benefits and community organisations.

Time and time again, we found ourselves asking the same question:

Why isn’t anyone joining the dots?

Every service has an important role to play, but too often people are left trying to navigate a complicated system on their own, at the very moment they are least able to do so.

We believe there has to be a better way.

That is why we want to create Fred’s Place.

Fred’s Place will be a lasting legacy to Freddie—a place where men experiencing ADHD, poor mental health, addiction and emotional distress can find understanding, practical guidance and hope. A place where families can also find support, because they are living the journey too.

Most importantly, it will be a place that joins the dots.

A place where no one feels they have to face life’s battles alone.

Why we are fundraising

Before we can begin helping others, we need to build the foundations properly.

Our initial goal is to raise £5,000 to cover the costs of establishing Fred’s Place, including governance, legal and administrative set-up, banking, professional advice, policies, insurance and the work required to create an organisation that can grow into a registered charity.

This isn’t about creating a memorial.

It’s about creating a legacy.

A legacy that offers hope.

A legacy that helps people before they reach crisis.

A legacy that ensures Freddie’s life continues to make a difference.

If Freddie ever made you laugh, if he ever made your day brighter, if you have experienced the impact of ADHD, mental health challenges or addiction, or if you simply believe no family should have to walk this path alone, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to opening Fred’s Place.

We cannot change what happened to Freddie.

But together, we can honour his life by helping to change someone else’s future.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Caroline, Kevin and Freddie’s family

Fred’s Place

Joining the dots. Giving hope. Changing lives.

“This campaign is the first step. As Fred’s Place grows, we will share every milestone with those who helped make it possible.”