A 23-year-old dad from Leeds has tragically died following a long battle with mental health issues.
The family of Reece Godward have been left "devastated" after he took his own life in the early hours of Thursday, February 23. Reece, who is from Bradford but lived in Harehills, has been described as a "loving man" and "good lad".
He leaves behind two children, nine siblings, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
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Sister Toni said: "I can’t say the words right Reece and it’s because I’m really struggling to accept this, the full family is more then broken I miss you so much man!"
"He was dearly loved by his mum and dad who are both heartbroken by this. He was a very loving uncle to his nieces and nephews."
She said his mum did all she could to help him with his mental health struggles.
Reece leaves behind brothers Jack and Billy as well as sisters Toni, Laura, Coral, Courtney, Libi, Gabby and Mia.
"I'm begging, please bring my brother back," his sister Gabby Godward said.
Gabby explained that Reece had struggled with his mental health since the age of 15. She said: "Reece has been a troubled lad all his life. He suffered with severe mental health issues.
"Unfortunately, in this case he’s not made it. We weren't able to help him anymore." Gabby said she believes her brother has been "failed" by the mental health system repeatedly. "Once again he was failed until his very last breaths," she added.
The siblings were close and would often spend time having long chats about their worries. Gabby would always ask him to massage her feet, she explained. Gabby said: "It still doesn’t seem real. Reece, don’t know where to go from here.
"Why did you leave me here on my own? You're the only person I could talk to. It wasn’t long ago we were both sat crying at kitchen table, telling each other what’s gone wrong. It is not going be the same without you, it’s really not."
Reece has been described by his friends as a "funny lad" who loved a night out. Speaking about what he meant to the family, Gabby said: "He was a loving father, son, brother and uncle to many of us. Our hearts are broken. His life ended so soon."
She added: "We are not sure on what to do from here. We all you love Reece. Life’s not going to be the same without you. We all love you soo so much Reece. I’m glad your finally out of pain."
Reece's other sister, Mia Godward, said: "Rest in peace Reece. I can't believe my big brother has gone. I've been waiting for this to be a prank but its not. You've really gone and I can't take it." Tributes have also poured in across social media for Reece.
Chris Colley said: "Rest in peace. My brother Reece Godward. Sending my love to all your family. Gone but never forgotten."
Friend Kayla Rigg added: "Can this world get any worse? Always taking the best. RIP Reece Godward. You was such a good lad.
"Thoughts are with your family and friends. So many are going way too soon. You will be missed by many and always be remembered."
Reece's family have set up a Go Fund Me page in hopes of raising as much money as possible for his funeral. So far they have raise £30 out of £5,000 they need to "give him the send of he deserves," Gabby said.
She added: "We are not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service we want to give Reece the best send off he deserves to honour are memories and say are last goodbyes.
"I love and miss you soo much already my brother. You’ve left a whole in everyone’s heart." To donate to the fundraiser for Reece's funeral, click here.
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