Shirley Ballas has paid tribute to her late brother David on what would have been his 60th birthday.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge posted a string of pictures of David – who took his own life in 2003 – alongside an emotional message as she called him “the best brother I could have wished for”.
Shirley, 58, said she wishes she could “turn the clock back in time and be more aware of mental health”.
Read more: Shirley Ballas reveals how she learned to love Christmas again following death of brother
She wrote: “Dear David today 5 th Feb 2019 you would have been the big 60. There is not a day that goes by in my life without you coming to my mind.
“The best brother I could have wished for. Protective, caring and kind of your family. We for sure came first.
“I wish I could turn the clock back in time and be more aware of mental health and the fact that we all need to share more how we feel.”
She continued: “For the years I had with you I am so grateful, the fun memories, the fact I always felt so safe with you in my life.
“As we make are way through this short life with all its twists and turns I will hold you close in my heart so you are always on this journey with me.
“Seems like yesterday I had my last cuddle with you but I feel you closer than ever. RIP David I love you.”
Shirley added the hashtags, “#mentalhealthawareness#suicide #suicideprevention #communication #journey #life #brother#son #uncle #dad”.
Of course, fans offered their support to Shirley.
One person said: “He’d be so proud of you Shirley I’m sure,” while another wrote: “Such lovely words, thinking of you.”
A third commented: “Sending you so much love.”
In December, Shirley said she and her mother Audrey have struggled over the festive season since the death of David but she admitted she’s now “finally understood” that life goes on.
Read more: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas reveals how she’s nursing her mother through cancer
Shirley told You magazine: “There was no way we could enjoy Christmas without David. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t there, eating his treble helpings of Christmas dinner with ten glasses of milk. After David died, Mum threw away all the decorations.
“Last year I was the new girl but this year I feel a full part of Strictly and it’s impossible not to be inspired by such a sparkly merry-go-round of a show.
“The fans have sent me so many beautiful, supportive messages about my brother, it’s all helped me reinvent Christmas, so for the first time in years, the house will feel celebratory like it used to.”
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