MIKE Thalassitis' secret girlfriend has told of her shock at his suicide, admitting it “will haunt me for the rest of my life”.
Model Ellie O’Donnell, 22, revealed she had been texting the Love Island and Celebs Go Datingstar about his new restaurant the day before he died.
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She has posted a tribute on Instagram, along with photos of them drinking co*cktails just a week ago.
She wrote: “You were literally texting me yesterday pictures of the samples for the colour of the tables in your new restaurant. That was your last text to me.
“You were the kindest soul, you were so funny.
“I’m glad I got to hear you laugh and see you smile before you left this world.”
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YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, we told you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans - and shared tips from mental health experts.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You're Not Alone.
For a list of support services available, please see where to get help below.
Meanwhile Mike’s pals said he never really got over reality star Megan McKenna. The pair dated for seven months before splitting last summer.
One friend said: “She was his first true love. The break-up hit him hard and put him in a bad place.
"He battled hard to come through it but that feeling still lingered.”
Police confirmed yesterday that Mike was found hanged in a park in Edmonton, North London, on Saturday, adding that they were not treating the death as suspicious.
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Sun bid to help cut toll
By Kate Jackson
TODAY The Sun launches a new campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention and help combat the tragic numbers of young people taking their own lives.
An unacceptable 1,600 people under 35 die each year by suicide - a staggering three quarters of whom are men.
Backed by leading suicide prevention charity, Papyrus, we are urging those driven to think about suicide to TALK , to share their concerns with friends, loved ones and professionals before it is too late.
And, our Let’s Talk campaign - last night backed by all three major political parties - asks those same friends and loved ones to talk to anyone they feel is acting suicidal.
Below we hear from Papyrus boss, Ged Flynn, who says: “We need to help children and young people know that all human beings struggle.
“We can’t protect them from pain, but by having open conversations, we can make sure they know they have choices.”
Last night Suicide Prevention Minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: “Every death by suicide is preventable. Many organisations can play their part in suicide prevention and I am really pleased that the Sun is launching this campaign.
“Suicide happens when people feel they can’t cope anymore. No one should feel like they can’t ask for help.”
Labour’s shadow minister for mental health, Barbara Keeley MP, said: “Mike Thalassitis’ tragic death should be a wake-up call to the whole country about the emotional pressures that young people face today, not least when they are thrust into the limelight.
“The growing epidemic of mental ill health and suicide among our young people is one of the greatest challenges of our times and needs to be recognised and combatted right across society.
“That is why I am backing the campaign by the Sun and Papyrus to encourage people to speak up about their mental health.”
Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb, a former health minister, added: “I strongly support this campaign and thank The Sun for making a stand.
“We can do much more, as a country, to save lives.”
- GET professional suicide prevention advice in confidence at PAPYRUS HopelineUK on 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
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A Met Police spokesperson explained they had been called to a park near Latymer Way about 9.30am yesterday to "reports of a man found hanged".
Despite paramedics rushing to the scene, he was pronounced dead, with a file now being prepared for the coroner.
The news of Mike's death comes after it was revealed the star was grief-stricken over the death of his beloved grandmother and plagued with "huge debts".
A source told The Sun: “It is absolutely tragic to have died at such a young age. Mike had so much to live for. He was about to launch a restaurant in Essex with a pal.”
Love Island star Mike Thalassitis found dead aged 26
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