A “brilliant” man who took his own life after believing the mother of his children had died was honored.
Bradley Crellin, 31, died Friday, April 9, unaware that he actually saved the life of fiancé Becci McDonald, who is currently pregnant with his unborn baby.
Becci, 28, shares another child with Bradley and says her daughter from a previous relationship saw him as her stepfather.
She reached out to ECHO to pay tribute to Bradley, who had built a happy life with her after years on the streets, and to make a lasting memorial to her children.
She believes Bradley believed she died after being hospitalized on April 8th after attempting her own suicide.
Becci, who is originally from Bootle but now lives near the city center, told ECHO: “Our son is seven months old, I suffered from extreme postnatal depression and some psychosis.
“Everything was too much.
“But Bradley saved my life. He called the ambulance.
Bradley Crellin with his young son.
“The last thing he saw was that I was unconscious and was being rushed to the hospital. He didn’t know I would be fine.”
When Becci met Bradley about eighteen months ago, he was living on the street.
She continued: “I spoke to him, I often spoke to people who did not have a home.
“He had been homeless for about seven years, he had a really traumatic childhood, he had been in and out of foster care.
Helplines and self-help groups
Below are helplines and support networks to speak to. Most of these are listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) offers a 24-hour service every day of the year. If you’d rather write down how you are feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) operates a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t appear on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organization that supports adolescents and young adults who feel suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity that provides advice and support to empower people with mental health problems. They are committed to improving services, raising awareness and understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, in a bad mood, or have thoughts of suicide.
- Bullying UK is a website for bullying children and adults.
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Amparo offers emotional and practical support to anyone who has been affected by suicide. This includes dealing with the police and coroners; Help with media inquiries; Prepare for and participate in an investigation and provide assistance in accessing other appropriate local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more information.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or send HOPE on 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young People Counseling Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services to children, adolescents and families in Liverpool. Tel .: 0151 707 1025 Email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul’s Place – Free Counseling and Group Sessions for anyone living on Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
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The Martin Gallier Project – provides personal support for those considering suicide and their families. Opening times 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 Email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
“We made an appointment and I took him in not long afterwards. My daughter adored him.
“People might not think we were together that long, but we were hip together, we were best friends.”
Because of the time he spent on the streets, Bradley was known at the Whitechapel Center and its community who pay tribute to him.
A center spokeswoman said: “We were very sad to hear of Bradley’s death.
“We have supported him for several years and he was known and loved by staff, volunteers and other members of the homeless community.
“We last saw Bradley more than a year ago when he settled down with Becci, but he will be remembered as a polite and helpful young man who is deeply missed by everyone who has known him.
“Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends, RIP Bradley.”
Becci says she is more stable now and will have support while she carries a baby and prepares for Bradley’s funeral.
This week she took her twelve week scan which showed the baby is fit and healthy.
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On the subject of matching items
Bradley’s funeral will be on Thursday April 29th. Due to coronavirus restrictions, only a limited number of people can participate. However, it is streamed via video for others who wish to pay their respects.
Becci has asked anyone to send flowers or money to make a donation to the Whitechapel Center, which “has played a huge role in his life”.