Shirley Ballas shared a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David on Monday as she celebrated his 65th birthday.
The 63-year-old Strictly Come Dancing judge shared a series of throwback photos of her brother alongside a poignant open letter.
David, from Wallasey, Merseyside, tragically took his own life in 2003, aged 44, after suffering from depression.
Shirley began her post: “Today would have been my dear brother David's 65th birthday ❤️.”
“David, I miss you so much. Behind my smile is still a broken heart that I don’t believe can ever be mended.”
Shirley Ballas shared a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David on Monday as she celebrated his 65th birthday
The 63-year-old Strictly Come Dancing judge shared a series of throwback photos of her brother alongside a poignant open letter
She further referred to her mother Audrey, her son Mark and David's daughter Mary, who raised Shirley from the age of ten after David took his own life and Mary's mother died shortly afterwards.
Shirley continued: “But our lovely mother @markballas and @mischiefminky talk about you every day.” Your beautiful daughter Mary is doing amazingly well.
“We know you look down on her so proudly.” She's now engaged to a phenomenally kind man, I know you'd love him.
“Mark is a father, mom is now a great-grandmother and I’m a grandma.” Can you believe that? Banksi is beautiful and I know you would just adore him.
“I remember all the times you took care of Mark on my travels.” You looked after him with so much love in your heart.
“You will always be in our thoughts, David.” I feel like you are with me every day and I believe that you are watching over us with your beautiful heart.
“Until we meet again, David.” I love you so, so much. ❤️
“If you have any issues please contact @calmzone @suicideandco. There is always someone there for you. Hugs. X #Brother #Son #Father #Uncle.'
David, from Wallasey, Merseyside, tragically took his own life in 2003 aged 44 after suffering from depression (pictured with Shirley).
Since David's death, Shirley has been a passionate campaigner for mental health awareness, including by setting up the charity The Ballas Foundation with her son Mark.
Last year she showed off her brave side when she did an impressive wing walk to raise money for suicide prevention charity CALM.
She also rode the world's fastest zip line in North Wales and took part in a skydive, despite previously revealing she was “scared of heights”.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) stands with everyone in the UK against suicide.
If you have any problems, contact CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (UK) or via webchat at www.thecalmzone.net.
Since David's death, Shirley has been a passionate campaigner for mental health awareness, including by setting up the charity The Ballas Foundation with her son Mark