I wasn’t going to write this, but after it’s been suggested by several people, I feel it’s important to.

As everyone is aware, on Thursday we received the most devastating news that my brother, Michael, lost his life while in Torquay police custody. Michael had been struggling for a few weeks and we had reached out for help. Tragically, in the place where he should have been the safest, he lost his life. I also want to make this very clear to anyone making their own assumptions: Michael did not take his own life.

Michael leaves behind his girlfriend, Ellie, and his one-year-old son, Hudson, as well as the rest of our heartbroken family. We are completely devastated by this loss.

Although we are able to cover the basic funeral costs, we want to give Michael the most beautiful and meaningful send-off he deserves. Michael will be laid to rest in a place where our mom will also join him, so we have somewhere to sit, talk to them, and so our children can visit them as they grow older. This is not the cheapest option, but it is important to us as a family.

Any funds left over will go directly to Ellie and Hudson, to support them in the coming months with bills and day-to-day living, and to help give Hudson the stability his dad would have wanted for him. Every contribution, no matter how small, truly means more than words can express.

Thank you everyone for your much appreciated support in one of the most difficult times of our lives. Xx