LOOSE Women star Charlene White revealed her father has tragically taken his own life.
, 45, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram in an emotional statement.
Charlene White’s father has tragically died after taking his own life
Her beloved father Denniston passed away two weeks ago after “living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift”.
A devastated Charlene wrote: “Two weeks ago our lives changed forever. Unbeknownst to us, our dad had been living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift.
“So he made the decision to take control of that cloud and take his own life. This despite the fact he lived a life full of love. FULL to the brim. Overflowing in fact.
“But sometimes the darkness is stronger, and heartbreakingly for all of us, he chose to keep what he was going through to himself. Very typical of dad.
“So we too have made a choice – his children, step-children, and wife – not to hide the circumstances of our loss. Because hiding emotions and the true depth of our feelings — hurt, pain, shock, grief etc. — helps no-one. Least of all us.”
The TV host explained her family are “still finding out way” while navigating the “unexpected” grief.
Charlene implored her followers to “hug your parents close” and “tell them that you love them”.
“But we have each other, and I don’t know how we’d ever be able to see a sliver of brightness and light in everyday without each other to lean on,” she continued.
“And the million extended family members, and tribes of friends who’ve held our hearts and our hands over the past two weeks.”
Charlene told how hundreds of loved ones gathered for a traditional Jamaican nine night on Sunday to honour her father’s memory.
“Denniston was an amazing dad, step dad, surrogate dad to many, friend, brother, grandad, uncle, cousin and husband. And we’re all just taking it step by step.
“From Charlene, Liz, Joshua, Carina, Jade, Gemma, Justin, Soriah, Alfie, Florence, Kairo, Elisha and Shaniya.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
How to get help
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.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
Charlene White revealed her father took his own life 
