Michael Buckett, a father from Silsden, near Bradford, is dedicated to honoring the memory of his son, Ethan, who tragically took his own life in June 2024 at the age of 19. Ethan, a computing enthusiast and gaming lover, had recently come out of his shell, making friends during a digital marketing apprenticeship in Leeds. However, following a weekend argument with his father, Ethan went missing and was later found deceased.
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In the aftermath, Buckett faced the profound grief shared by families affected by suicide, emphasizing the mystery surrounding mental health issues. Buckett noted there were no previous signs that Ethan was struggling, which deepened his family's sense of loss and confusion. "In our hearts, we say he didn't intend to end his life that day, but we'll never know," Buckett stated.
In memory of Ethan, his friends organized a charity football match in Leeds, raising £5,000 for the mental health charity Andy's Man Club. This event has since become an annual tradition, generating significant funds each year. Inspired by these efforts, Michael established a community interest company called 'Forever 19,' named for his son's age at the time of his passing.
The initiative aims to promote open conversations about mental health among young people. Buckett plans to bring this program into local schools and eventually involve parents in discussions about mental health. He believes there is a gap in educational resources regarding mental health awareness, stating, "It's important to get kids to have that conversation around mental health."
Although Buckett acknowledges that they are not mental health professionals, he aims for Forever 19 to serve as an early intervention resource before crises develop. Following Ethan's death, Buckett has found a supportive community among his son’s friends, who continue to share memories and check in on him regularly.
Michael shares a message for young people facing struggles: finding someone trustworthy to talk to is crucial. He believes that the work he is doing in Ethan's memory could save lives. Buckett endures feelings of guilt but remains focused on creating a lasting legacy that honors his son and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness.