Distraught parents Darren Steele and Joeline Thompson, who lost their son to suicide in January, said ‘more action is needed to help young people who are struggling’.
Brandon Thompson, 19, took his own life, three years after his cousin Jerry Thompson died in similar circumstances.
Both men were talented footballers and well known within the football fraternity of Northern Ireland.
Read more: Derriaghy CC FC 'devastated' at passing of 'friend and player' Brandon Thompson
Brandon’s cousin, Jerry, played for Carrick Rangers and died suddenly in December 2019.
Now, just over three years later, the family are suffering the same heartache as they laid to rest their precious son, Brandon, at end of January.
Hundreds of family, friends and teammates from Derriaghy CCFC held a guard of honour from his home in Hatfield Place to St Malachy’s Church at the emotional send off.
Only this year Brandon had become a father to baby, Indie, who his family said gave him a real focus.
“He just loved his little girl,” Joeline explained.
“She was his pride and joy and he was always so particular about her little clothes and keeping her so well turned out.
“It is so sad that she will turn nine months old on the very same day that her Daddy is buried. She will grow up not knowing who he is – it’s heartbreaking.”
Poignantly, Brandon’s final post on his Facebook page was a collage of photographs of himself with Indie and the accompanying caption: “I love you baby girl.”
Siblings Carolanne, David, Mario and Cliodhna said their brother was the “rock of their family”.
“I don’t know what we are going to do without him, he was right at the heart of our family,” Carolanne explained.
“We will miss him so much, it is so heartbreaking that he tried to get help for so many years and the services are just not available here.
“He felt like there was no other way out.”
Despite the heartache that the family are going through in losing Brandon they all smiled when the topic arose of his love of football.
“He had a ball at his feet from he was no size,” Brandon’s Dad, Darren recalled.
“He loved his football, it was his one outlet where he could feel free from his troubles.
“One of his matches was called off recently and he was so annoyed about it, he ended up going out for a run just to rid the frustration of not getting a game!”
Darren continued: “Brandon played football for so many clubs across Belfast. It took him so many places and I am so grateful for the experiences that it gave him.
“He made so many brilliant pals who have been here paying their respects.
“They are a good group of guys from Derriaghy CCFC who Brandon loved getting to play football with on a Saturday.”
Teammates of Brandon’s from the club, said: “Brandon was one of those people in life that immediately injected energy into any room he entered.
“Whether it be lively banter or debate, he was an infectious character and someone that will be sorely missed by all of his teammates.
“He was like my little brother of the team and no matter how bad my week was going , seeing him always brought a laugh and a smile.
“Brandon was a larger than life young man, a loving dad who adored his child. He loved playing football and was a great guy to be in company with.”
Brandon joined the club a year ago, representing both the first and second teams in that time.
He became an instant hit with his teammates and supporters with his larger than life character and fantastic energy both on and off the pitch.
Ards also paid tribute to Brandon, who came through the ranks of Championship side
"We are devastated to learn of the death of former Ards youth team player Brandon Thompson," read a post on the club's social media pages.
"Brandon played for both our U16s and U18s as well as our Academy 2003s.
"He was much loved by his teammates and coaches. Our thoughts are with his family at this dreadful time."
Important though football was to Brandon, it was clear that family came first with his many photos of family members which adorned his social media pages.
Joeline continued: “It is every parent’s worst nightmare what we are going through. “Changes need to be made. Money needs to be assigned to more services to help young people who are struggling instead of silly, pointless projects that money is pumped into time and time again.
“Our young people are dying. We have lost our son and it is not good enough that he felt he had nowhere to turn to for help!”
Joeline and Darren want to reach out to other young people who find themselves on a difficult path.
“Please, please talk to someone. Ask for help and try to see that just because something bad happens it doesn’t mean that your life will be dictated by it.
“Things change, and circumstances get better,” Darren said.
“Losing Brandon like this has destroyed our family. Now we have to try and navigate our way through life without him.
“I would plead with people who are feeling low to please seek help. Things can always get better.
“Remember that your family will want to be given the opportunity to help you through whatever it is you are struggling with.
“I would also add that if someone expresses to you that they are feeling low and considering doing something like this to please notify the emergency services. That call could save someone’s life and spare a family from a life of despair and grief.”
If you or someone you know is in distress or despair, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. You will receive immediate support on the phone and follow up support if necessary. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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