Cliff Notes – Charlene White ‘might never know why father took his own life’ as hundreds honour him
- Charlene White revealed her father, Denniston, took his own life, leaving the family grappling with the reasons behind his decision and the pain of loss.
- The Loose Women presenter emphasised the importance of discussing mental health and encouraged others to seek help, highlighting her family’s support for the charity Black Minds Matter.
- Following his death, Charlene shared that hundreds attended his funeral, celebrating his life, while she and her family continue to navigate their grief with therapy and community support.
Charlene White ‘might never know why father took his own life’ as hundreds honour him
Charlene White has shared a heartbreaking update following the death of her dad (Pictures: ITV/ Shutterstock; Instagram)
Charlene White has made the heartbreaking admission that she will have to ‘learn to live’ with the reality of her father taking his own life.
Earlier this month the Loose Women presenter, 45, announced the death of her dad Denniston.
Sharing the news on social media, Charlene revealed that her family had not known that he’d been ‘living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift’.
‘He made the decision to take control of that cloud and take his own life. Heartbreakingly for all of us, he chose to keep what he was going through to himself,’ she wrote.
She went on to say that the family had made the choice ‘not to hide the circumstances of our loss’, also encouraging others who might be struggling to reach out for help.
A few weeks on, she’s now shared an update and explained the support she’s received in the wake of her dad’s death.
The Loose Women presenter announced his death a few weeks ago (Picture: Ken McKay/ ITV/ Shutterstock)
‘This week we said a final goodbye to my dad,’ she posted on Instagram, alongside an album of photos of her dad throughout his life, as well as from his funeral.
‘Two services and a huge wake… hundreds came to celebrate a man who meant so much to so many.
‘We’ve spent many many hours asking ourselves why he decided to take his own life, and we’ll no doubt spend many more. But the reality is we may never know, and we have to find a way live alongside that truth. But what we do know is we don’t want others to feel like they have no choice but to succumb to the darkness, nor do we want any other family to be left with the pain, hurt and heartache that we are now living with.’
She went on to share the family were supporting the charity Black Minds Matter and had also undertaking therapy sessions to discuss ‘what the new normal is supposed to look like’.
Charlene shared a series of photos taken throughout his life (Picture: Charlene White/ Instagram)
She said hundreds paid tribute at his funeral (Picture: Charlene White/ Instagram)
‘The reality is, none of us really knows yet. And that’s okay. And we have a village holding us up, and we have each other,’ she continued.
‘Thank you to everyone who’s reached out, sent their love, and shared their own stories of suicide loss. And to those who’ve dealt with those stories alone and in secret, we send our heartfelt love to you.’
‘It was a beautiful celebration of your wonderful father. We love you all so much xx,’ her Loose Women colleague Judi Love commented.
‘I’m so sorry for your loss. What gorgeous joyful photos. You look so much like him,’ Laura Smyth wrote.
‘Beautiful photos and wonderful memories Charlene… sending you all the love,’ Karen Bryson added.
Charlene recently said her life had ‘changed forever’ (Picture: Ken McKay/ ITV/ Shutterstock)
When announcing her dad’s death, Charlene explained how her family’s lives ‘had changed forever’.
‘Denniston was an amazing dad, stepdad, surrogate dad to many, friend, brother, grandad, uncle, cousin and husband. And we’re all just taking it step by step,’ she wrote.
‘Hug your parents close and always tell them that you love them. Because that’s sort of our job as children, to love them, no matter where the road eventually takes them. Even if they end up taking the hardest most unfathomable path,’ she urged others.
In 2002, Charlene’s mum Dorrett died from bowel cancer at the age of 47.
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