In Memory of George Thomas Rees

Our beloved George died by suicide on Tuesday 30th April 2024. George had his whole life ahead of him, however, the extent of his psychological pain was such that he felt hopeless for the future, leading him to end his life at the tender age of 21.

George suffered from poor mental health, low self-esteem and emotional disregulation due to the impact of ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder). He lacked the concentration and focus demanded of him to be successful at school and was frustrated by his chaotic thinking, which caused him to be habitually disorganised and to lack the focus required to complete tasks.

From the outside, however, life appeared to have turned around for George during the months prior to his death. He had been making the most incredible personal progress, working conscientiously and blossoming into a wonderfully kind, considerate and loving human being.

Tragically, though, we believe that the pernicious feelings which had set in and undermined his sense of self during the previous decade were always lurking in the background and impossible to fully erase, ultimately causing George to be unable to see his own value and self-worth.

As his family, we will never come to terms with George’s premature death and the thought of him being consumed by such unbearable psychological pain, it is truly heartbreaking.

But we do need and want to do something positive in George’s memory. We want to raise funds for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, the actions of whom, together with those of the land ambulance crews, resulted in George’s resuscitation and safe journey to University Hospital Coventry, where he later died surrounded by his family.

In the midst of the most profound tragedy and through their exceptional care, the Air Ambulance Critical Care Car crew and land ambulance crews gave us the precious opportunity to spend George’s final hours with him by his bedside and following his death. Though they could not change the ultimate outcome, we cherish those hours and shall be forever grateful to the crews for their professionalism and compassion.

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance is a registered charity, which receives no government funding for its daily missions.

In recognition of the Critical Care Car crew’s incredible care for George, Ruby has set up a crocheting business, donating 20% of her sales via this fundraising page, and I shall be hiking to Everest Base Camp in November. Unfortunately Eve can no longer join me on the hike, but she is planning to run a half marathon next year.

Thank you for reading this page and for your support, it is greatly appreciated.