Bereaved teen on a mission to end suicide stigma

Former Liverpool and England footballer Chris Kirkland has joined a teenager whose father died by suicide on a mission to show other children who have suffered similar loss that they are not alone.

Alfie, from Liverpool, was eight when his father died in 2017.

He and his family set up Alfie's Squad as a way of helping other young people who have lost loved ones to suicide.

The 17-year-old, who invited about 50 friends who have supported him to join him for an awareness-raising walk, said "seeing this and seeing that there's no stigma around it could really help a lot of people".

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Alfie said that "having them be able to understand what this is, why we do it and be able to tell other people about it" was so important.

"When my dad died, I felt like nobody understood," he said.

"Alfie's Squad is there so children and young people like me can meet others who know how it feels.

"I'm doing this walk to help more young people know they are not on their own."

Chris Kirkland said: "You don't realise how many people it affects... and what Alfie and [Alfie's mother] Allison and all the team are doing, trying to help families that suffer that same devastation, is absolutely incredible."

Allison, chief executive of the charity, said what Alfie was doing was "extraordinary".

"Walking 34 miles is a huge challenge for anyone, but for Alfie this is deeply personal.

"What makes it even more powerful is that 50 young people who have grown up alongside him are walking with him – supporting their friend, raising awareness and showing what young people can do when they come together for something that matters."

The 34-mile (55 km) walk involved completing 15 laps around Sefton Park, Liverpool.

A charity spokesperson said they were also "hoping to shine a positive light on people their age by showing the power of friendship, loyalty and community".

Alfie's Squad provides peer support for children, young people and their families affected by suicide bereavement.

A charity spokesperson said it "gives children and young people a safe space to meet others who understand what they are going through, helping them feel less alone at one of the most difficult times in their lives".

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