Love Island star Paige’s secret trauma as close friend dies just days after partying together
PAIGE Turley will pay tribute to her close friend who took his own life days after spending time with him over Christmas.
The Love Island 2021 winner was left devastated by her 20-year-old pal Jamie Aitchison’s sudden death before New Year.
Paige said the “happy go lucky” lad gave no warning he was secretly struggling with his mental health.
Now she’s hoping to raise £4,000 for Mental Health UK in his memory.
Jamie’s mum Debbie-Anne told Paige: “You’re a beautiful soul.
“Thank you for keeping my son’s name alive.”
Speaking to The Sun ahead of her London Landmarks Half Marathon on April 2, Paige said: “Everyone has felt total shock and devastation since Jamie’s death.
“He was only 20 and a really lovely, happy-go-lucky guy – or so we thought.
You're Not Alone
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It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
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The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
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- Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
“It’s been a real rollercoaster of emotions since he died. He had so much of his life left ahead of him.
“It was devastating, really tough. I’m hoping the thought of Jamie is what gets me across the finishing line.
“I think before I would have struggled to have done a half marathon before without having a reason to do it.”
Paige says Jamie’s death pulled his loved ones together in the community in West Lothian, Scotland where she grew up.
“When something like this happens, it leaves everyone with a lot of questions,” she said.
“Deep conversations started to take place.
“It’s sad to have to lose Jamie for those conversations to happen.”
After returning from Jamie’s funeral, novice runner Paige set her sights on running her first half marathon.
Eight weeks on, she’s preparing to take on the challenge on April 2.
Paige hopes her 1.6million will support her mental health campaign following her tragic loss.
“I’ve got a big platform and not everyone on there is from Scotland,” she said.
“I wanted a charity that covers the whole of the UK. There are four charities that overseen the four different countries.
“I wanted to give £1000 to each so I set a £4000 target.”
Donations can be made to Paige’s fundraiser here.