In a profoundly moving and candid interview, former Love Island star and NHS A&E doctor Alex George has bravely detailed the heart-shattering moment he discovered his younger brother had taken his own life. The reality TV personality, who has since become a powerful voice for mental health awareness, speaks with raw honesty about the trauma that propelled him into a national campaign.
Dr Alex was working a gruelling shift in a London A&E department in July 2020 when he received the catastrophic phone call that his 19-year-old brother, Llŷr, had died by suicide. The medic recalls the visceral, world-shattering pain of the news, describing how he immediately knew something was terribly wrong from the tone of his father's voice.
'My world just ended in that moment,' he confessed, highlighting the cruel irony of being a doctor trained to save lives yet being utterly powerless to save his own brother.
A Mission Forged in Grief
Rather than allowing his grief to consume him, Dr Alex channelled his anguish into action. He embarked on a relentless campaign, lobbying the UK government to prioritise mental health support for young people. His unwavering determination led to a monumental achievement: his appointment as the UK's first-ever Youth Mental Health Ambassador by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
In this role, Dr George has been instrumental in driving significant policy change. His advocacy was a key force behind the government's pledge to fund mental health support teams in schools and colleges across England, a legacy he hopes will prevent other families from enduring similar tragedy.
A Message of Hope and Resilience
Now, Dr Alex continues his vital work, using his platform to destigmatise conversations around mental health. He emphasises that it's okay not to be okay and encourages everyone, especially young men, to speak openly about their struggles.
His story is a heartbreaking yet inspiring testament to turning personal tragedy into a national force for good, ensuring his brother Llŷr's memory creates a lasting impact on the mental wellbeing of a generation.
