Tributes have been paid to a “kind and gentle” paramedic who sadly took his own life on 25th July.
Christopher Ealden, from Farnborough, worked for South Central Ambulance Service for ten years and dedicated his life to helping others.
His younger sister, Sammie Lovell, said that her family had been left “utterly broken” but that they are determined to break the taboo surrounding men’s mental health.
Christopher was based at Bracknell Ambulance Station and started his career as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) before working to become a fully qualified paramedic.
Christopher had been in the role for two years and also mentored student paramedics.
His ambition had been to join the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMs).
Christopher has also been described as an amazing father to his eight-year-old daughter and four-year-old son.
Sammie has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for mental health charity CALM.
In a post shared on the fundraising page, Sammie said:
‘I am raising money for a men’s suicide prevention charity. As many of you may know, my brother Christopher sadly took his own life recently.
‘He was loved and liked by so many people and spent his life caring for others.
‘He was a paramedic for South Central Ambulance Service, and we are all so proud of what he achieved. He battled with Autism, ADHD and Depression.
‘Christopher’s smile could light up an entire room.
‘In raising money for this charity, I am hopeful that if even just one life is saved, then Christopher’s passing hasn’t been in vain. :
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male.
CLICK HERE to visit the crowdfunding page set up in Christopher’s honour.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
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