Lou Teasdale was supported by her boyfriend Andy Carroll as she lead the ‘Let’s Kill Suicide’ campaign in London.
It’s been five years since Lou’s best friend Caroline Flack tragically took her own life amid a looming court case after allegedly hitting boyfriend Lewis Burton with a lamp.
And hair stylist Lou, the global ambassador of suicide prevention charity Body and Soul, took to the River Thames in London for a campaign event.
Lou was seen watching from across the water as the words ‘Kill suicide with love’ among with other messages were projected onto the walls of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and St Thomas’ Hospital on Tuesday evening.
She was supported for the evening by her boyfriend Andy, who shared a selfie from the event and wrote: ‘This day means a lot and I’m so proud to be a part of this with you.’
In an interview with Greatest Hits Radio News about the campaign, Lou said: ‘I mean for me and the people that I’ve lost that I really loved obviously like anybody it’s so tragic because you just think if they were here now where would they be?
Lou Teasdale was supported by her boyfriend Andy Carroll as she lead the ‘Let’s Kill Suicide’ campaign in London on Tuesday
It’s been five years since Lou’s best friend Caroline Flack tragically took her own life amid a looming court case after allegedly hitting boyfriend Lewis Burton with a lamp (Lou and Caroline pictured in 2014)
‘And what would they be doing and how differently could this look? It’s just so sad when you look years later at where those people could be and what kind of lives they could have and for their families that they’re not here anymore.
‘It’s just such a wasted death.’
Love Island presenter Caroline was found dead at her home in North East London on February 15, 2020, and her death was ruled a suicide in an inquest in August 2020.
Lou had been taking care of Caroline and had popped out to the shops when the star had taken her life shortly after she left the property.
When Lou could not regain access to Caroline’s home, she called her father Ian, who found her.
Earlier this year, Andy gifted Lou a heartwrenching portrait of the late presenter for Valentine’s Day.
In a touching Valentine’s gesture, the footballer bought her a print of her late friend Caroline, which was created by acclaimed artists The Connor Brothers.
The artwork features half of Caroline’s profile alongside a red printed background and her poignant quote: ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’
Hair stylist Lou, the global ambassador of suicide prevention charity Body and Soul, took to the River Thames in London for a campaign event
In an interview with Greatest Hits Radio News about the campaign, Lou said: ‘I mean for me and the people that I’ve lost that I really loved obviously like anybody it’s so tragic’
Lou had been taking care of Caroline and had popped out to the shops when the star had taken her life shortly after she left the property (Pictured together)
The signed print is available for purchase with the Yield Gallery for £1,250 and Lou was left overwhelmed after Andy bought it for her.
Sharing the picture to her Stories, Lou wrote: ‘Ty [thank you] to my Valentine [broken heart emoji].’
The artwork was created after Caroline visited The Connor Brothers’ studio to be photographed for a portrait she had commissioned, which would become her last photoshoot.
An online description explains: ‘Just over two years ago Caroline Flack came to our studio to be photographed for a portrait she wanted to commission.
‘She was a joy to work with, and her playful personality and appetite for life were infectious. Like everyone else, we were entirely unaware at the time that this would be Caroline’s last photoshoot.
‘Although we only met Caroline once, she left a big impression on us with her warmth and humour, and we were devastated by the news of her untimely death.’
In January, Lou shared a heartbreaking post about suicide in which she insisted that she did ‘her best’ to help Caroline amid her mental health struggles.
After setting up an Ask Me Anything on Instagram, a fan wrote to her: ‘If someone is intent on suicide, nothing will stop them. You did your best, dont 4get that [sic].’
In a touching Valentine’s gesture, her boyfriend Andy bought her a print of her late friend Caroline, which was created by acclaimed artists The Connor Brothers
Lou has been slowly rebuilding her life in the wake of her best friend’s death in February 2020 and is dating footballer Andy (pictured)
Reflecting on her experience, Lou responded: ‘Suicide has affected my life a lot over the past 10 years. As it does for many many people. If it’s not you suffering personally it’s someone around you. I am currently working with an amazing charity Body and Soul.
‘Since experiencing and doing my best to care for 2 separate close friends around me attempting suicide numerous times without getting the professional help they need before inevitably seeing it through, I identified that between what our NHS and private health sectors offer and mental health “helplines” that raise millions of ££ a month in fundraising, there is quite literally NOTHING that actually works with and helps people who are suicidal.
‘Body and Soul offer a one-of-a-kind 6 month support programme for individuals who attempt suicide and boast a 100% success rate with 0 reattempts from those who have been on their You Are Not Alone course.
‘They also offer free online workshops for people close to those who attempt who are, like me, completely unqualified but on front-line supporting someone going through this. I always say suicide is contagious.
‘One suicide creates enough trauma around those involved there becomes a risk of further suicides without proper support.
‘After researching a lot of different initiatives this is the only one that has stood out to me that has REAL on-the-ground impact with the work they do. Reach out to them if you feel you need some help right now, or give them a follow and donate if you can. [sic]’
For help call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
