Raising Awareness & Support for Mental Health – In Memory of My Dad

Hi I am Emma from West Yorkshire and Five years ago, my world changed forever — I lost my dad to suicide.

That day has played over and over in my mind ever since. The trauma of what happened/saw that day along with the pain of those three long weeks in hospital, and being the only one allowed to visit him — it’s something I will carry for the rest of my life. I insisted on being the one to go, and while I don’t regret it, the emotional toll has been enormous.

In the years since, I’ve undergone EMDR therapy and done everything I can to come to terms with the devastating impact of losing him. I’ve faced my own mental health battles — feeling lost, lonely, and struggling to keep going. But I do, every single day, because I have to stay strong for my children. I never want them to experience the kind of heartbreak I’ve been through.

Father’s Day is especially hard. Watching others celebrate with their dads while I grieve mine is a pain that words can’t fully explain. And through my darkest times, I’ve learned who truly stands by you — sadly, not everyone I thought would, did.

But my journey has taught me something valuable: mental health matters more than many realise. It doesn’t just affect the person struggling — it ripples out into families, relationships, and entire lives. Left untreated, it can lead to substance abuse, addiction, and tragically, sometimes suicide.

These heartbreaking outcomes are becoming more common, and that’s why I’m raising funds — to support mental health services, create more access to help, and raise awareness about just how serious this issue is.

Your donation, no matter the size, could help save someone’s life. Let’s break the stigma, support those who feel lost, and show people they’re not alone.

Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for helping me turn my pain into purpose.

Let’s stand together for mental health. Let’s help save lives.