Robbie Williams writes moving tribute to friend’s daughter who took her own life
Singer said his friend wanted to use ‘this tragic event to raise awareness of the amount of young people suffering with mental health issues’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Robbie Williams has written a moving to the daughter of a close friend, after she took her own life earlier this year.
Williams shared the post dedicated to 20-year-old Caitlin O’Reilly on his Twitter account, calling her “a beautiful girl with her whole life ahead of her” before explaining that she “tragically took her own life”.
“My friend Pete wants to try to help use this tragic event to raise awareness of the amount of young people suffering with mental health issues,” he wrote.
“I am honoured to support him in memory of Caitlin.”
“Caitlin was a very happy child, who grew up in an extremely loving family. She suffered on and off over recent years with her mental health,” her father Pete said.
“Caitlin is no longer with us but I want us all to remember her, and so many other beautiful souls across the world.
“There are so many who have sadly made a choice to end their lives, when action could have prevented it from happening. Together, we must do all we can to help those suffering and try to limit the devastation caused by suicide.
“Dealing with the aftermath of a loved-one who has made the choice to end their life is incredibly difficult. Suicide has a devastating impact on those who are left behind and are having to pick up the pieces.
“Sometimes there is no warning or explanation.”
Caitlin’s father also urged anyone struggling with mental health to seek help.
“Caitlin was always there for others. She spent a huge amount of time trying to help those experiencing low periods or those expressing vulnerabilities,” he said. “Caitlin's legacy will live on if we continue the fight on her behalf to help as many of those who are suffering as we can.
“This is an extremely emotional time of year. We should all consider our own actions and help those less fortunate than us. Even if it is simply picking up the phone to check someone is doing OK.”
If you are struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch