Dr Alex George posts heartfelt tribute message to late brother Llŷr on his birthday

Dr Alex George paid tribute to his brother, who passed away in 2020, on Instagram. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Dr Alex George paid tribute to his brother, who passed away in 2020, on Instagram. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Dr Alex George offered a loving and emotional tribute to his "kind, sensitive, funny" brother Llŷr on what would have been his 21st birthday.

The reality TV star shared a video featuring family memories of Llŷr, who took his own life in July 2020 at the age of just 19.

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Former Love Island contestant Alex said he wanted to "talk more about the person [Llŷr] was", having spoken openly about his passing over the course of the last year or so.

"Llŷr was kind, sensitive, funny, loved his cars, and was a great brother and son. He was exceptionally clever and a great sportsman, " Dr George wrote.

He added: "Above all Llŷr had a good heart, he had an ability to look into your eyes and could feel exactly what you were feeling.

"In many ways he felt your pain and your struggles deeply and always wanted to help. He was an empath like no one I have ever known.

"I would do anything to be sat drinking a cold beer with you today for your 21st my boy. You will never be forgotten and you give me so much strength."

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Dr George is now a government ambassador for mental health and speaks regularly to encourage young people — particularly men — to be more open about their feelings.

Dr Alex George now speaks as a mental health advocate, specifically around young men. (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Global Citizen)
Dr Alex George now speaks as a mental health advocate, specifically around young men. (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

The star said in a previous interview that he and his family felt they "didn't have the chance to help" Llŷr because he never spoke about the things with which he was struggling.

"I think it’s very important to look out for change and behaviour in family members and friends who might be acting differently," said Dr Alex on Lorraine.

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He added: "If there’s anything you’re worried about and to ask them how they’re doing.

"But we also need people to know that when they are struggling they can talk about it, and what I find very hard is that I don’t think Llŷr felt that he could say it. It was there and I worry that shame was a big part of that.”

Watch: Dr Alex George wants more mental health awareness in schools