Honouring Gary, Raising Awareness

At Ford Search Partners, we believe in supporting one another not just in business, but in life. Some experiences are deeply personal, yet they speak to issues that touch many families and communities. Our Managing Director, Sarah, has chosen to share something very close to her heart during Suicide Awareness Week. We stand beside her in this message, both as colleagues and as a company that values compassion and humanity.

From Sarah, our MD:

“12th October will always be a date marked with sadness for me and my family. It is the day my brother, Gary, took his own life.

Losing a sibling in this way is devastating – and for my parents to lose a son so young is beyond words. Gary struggled with addiction for most of his adult life and, in the end, the weight of shame, sadness and loneliness must have felt unbearable. We will never truly know, because we were never given the chance to help him through it.

Gary was one of the most caring and loving souls you could ever meet. Addiction and mental health struggles do not discriminate – and the grief and guilt left behind are something families carry forever.

This week is Suicide Awareness Week. I want to honour Gary’s memory and also recognise all families and individuals who have been touched by suicide. My hope in sharing is to remind others that you are never alone, and that speaking up, reaching out and listening without judgement could save a life.

If you are struggling, please know that help is out there. In the UK, you can call Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123.”

As a company, we want to echo this message: your mental health matters, you are never alone, and small acts of listening and kindness can change lives.