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SHIRLEY Ballas became emotional as she read a letter to her late brother David, who sadly passed away by suicide in 2003.
The judge has been candid over the years about the sorrow she has experienced from losing her sibling, and she has now expressed that she will “never heal” from this loss.
Shirley Ballas became emotional while discussing her late brother DavidCredit: PA
She shared a letter that she had written for himCredit: YouTube/Question the Default
David took his own life in 2003Credit: Instagram/shirleyballas
During her appearance on the Question the Default podcast, the dancer read aloud a letter addressed to David, marking the first time she had written to him since his passing.
As she fought back tears, she began: “My dearest David. Not a single day goes by without me thinking of you.
“Mum and I mention you every day at dinner. We share stories about you, we laugh, we cry, and we reflect.
“You were my brother, my best friend, my protector, and my greatest supporter through many of life's challenges.
“You would say, ‘You’re going to achieve great things one day, Shirley,’ and I can still hear you saying that to me today.
“You possessed such a beautiful spirit, David. So full of light and kindness, even when you struggled to see that kindness within yourself.”
As she became emotional, the star continued: “If love alone could have kept you here, you would still be right beside me.
“I truly believe that if I had known then what I know now, I would have you sitting here with me today.
“I know you’d be somewhere in the Strictly audience while I performed live on national television, and you would be so proud.
“I wish I could have reached you in your darkest hours, to embrace you and remind you of how deeply loved you are.”
The next part of her heartfelt letter provided David with an update about his daughter Mary and her young child, two-year-old Banksi Wylde Ballas.
She expressed: “I’m now a grandma – or a glam-ma, as you would probably say. He looks just like you, David.
“Every day when I see his big brown eyes, I think of you. I promise to share your stories with him when he’s older.
“I’m still putting on my dancing shoes every day, doing what I love, just as you encouraged little Shirley to do.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK, a life is lost to suicide.
It affects individuals across all walks of life – from the homeless and jobless to builders and doctors, reality stars and athletes.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals under 35, more lethal than cancer and car accidents.
Men are three times more likely than women to take their own lives.
Yet, it remains a rarely discussed topic, a taboo that continues to threaten lives unless we all take notice.
That is why we must raise awareness.
The goal is to share practical advice, promote awareness, and break down the barriers people encounter when discussing their mental health, enabling us all to contribute to saving lives.
Let’s commit to asking for help when needed and listening to others.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with mental health issues, the following organizations offer 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
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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