Rest in Peace, Simon.

Yesterday,my neighbour,a young man in his early thirties,who had just opened his own hairdressing salon and on Monday,become the father of twins,took his own life. We are not a particularly close community,but are devastated by this most dreadful occurence. May I ask anyone who feels able,to pray for his soul? And maybe at the same time,to make a commitment to do all we can to transform the shallow,materialistic,egotistical world that we have created,into a place where vulnerability,sensitivity,gentleness and kindness are 'cool' again and in which love can flourish.So that no one, ever again, needs to feel as alone as he did...

[Rosie Kind]

What a beautiful tribute to this young man. What a terrible loss this must be and I pray for him his wife and little babies. I cannot imagine how they must be feeling. I agree with your sentiments that we must all remember the values we grew up with which were to love one another and be kind to each other and go about life in a gentle way rather than craving all the material things which do not make us happy in the long run.

[Jodie Lianne ♥]

Bless you Lesley. Such a beautiful tribute. It seemed like this man had so much going for him, so it's sad that he felt that he had to end his life :(
I can't imagine what his family must be going through at the moment :( x

[Kylie Martin]

part of our buddhist prayers every day are for a peaceful gentle humanity, thoughts are with you all. its such a waste of a life when these things happen, just maybe being able to talk to someone could've made a whole world of difference

[Lisa Pouncy]

That's absolutely tragic. Suicide is something I don't really understand but I do know that to have got to that point he must have felt no other way out. This is a lovely tribute. I hope the community can be a good support for his family xx

[carol white]

A lovely tribute,terribly sad story.He must have been really desperate and felt unable to reach out for help.

[Judith Johnson]

I am touched by this tragic story, and by your beautiful tribute, and caring comments. I will hold him and his family in my thoughts and prayers. I seem to have missed lots of your recent pictures lately but have just flicked back and have enjoyed the swans and the gardens.

[Dawn Irwin]

What a horrible tragedy. Praying for him and his family.

[Lesley Barber]

@rosiekind @jodielianne @kmrtn6 @psychographer @carolmw @busylady @dawnirwin Thank you all so much for your kind and understanding comments.I was hurting so much the day I posted the picture,but it helped me begin to come to terms with the awful violence and tragedy of it.It is only a week since it happened but feels much longer,as if we shall all never quite be the same again,which of course,we shan't. However,there are always rays of sunshine around all clouds, and the warmth and sincerity of peoples responses have touched our hearts...maybe,and I like to think this...they are helping Simon too,wherever he is now... God bless you all.

[tammy]

what a tragedy that someone can get to the stage where they feel they have no other option. i will be praying for his wife children and his family. what a lovely tribute.