An "amazing dad" who could "light up a room" will be greatly missed as his family issue an important message.
James Bleasdale struggled with his mental health from a young age and "battled with his own mind". Tragically, after years of "going around in circles" and struggling with gambling and substance misuse, James took his own life on August 5, last year at the age of 23.
Despite his battles, partner Lauren Sweeney said James was an amazing person who touched the hearts of many people. Paying a loving tribute to the dad-of-three, she told the ECHO: "He was the most amazing dad, he had the best personality. He could light a whole room up with the way he was, his whole persona could make you laugh.
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"He was dead funny, even though he was going through such a hard time, you wouldn't think it. You couldn't fault him as a dad or a person. He left his mark, so many were upset when they found out he'd passed away, even people I didn't know he knew.
"James battled with his own mind everyday, struggling with gambling and drugs and didn't get the help he needed. He never received the right support and got fobbed off. He reached out to a crisis team a week before saying he was scared of what he'd do to himself, he even started going to anonymous groups but he couldn't see a way out."
To raise awareness of mental health, and to honour his memory, Lauren has organised a family fun day for August 5 to raise funds for James Place and Gambling With Minds. From 12.30pm to 5pm, the event will be held at Kensington Field Social Club and will include a day of entertainment, stalls and raffles.
Lauren, from West Derby added: "I wanted to raise awareness to people who are struggling, especially me, there is help out there. I want people to know there is light at the end of the tunnel, there can be a happy ending. And believe in yourself, one thing James didn't do was believe in himself. He didn't have the confidence or think he'd be strong enough to do it."
James Place and Gambling with Minds are causes close to the family's heart as Lauren said: "I wanted to turn a negative into a positive. These charities meant a lot to James before he passed away and he always wanted to do something for them, he just didn't know what so this is the last thing I could do for him.
"I want people to know about these charities and reach out for support. Suicide is not the answer. And there does need to be more support. There's help out there but it needs to be known more."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking here. The fun day will be a ticketed event and more information can be found by contacting Lauren via emailing laurensweeney1997@outlook.com or via Facebook.
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