Caroline Flack’s devastated personal trainer Bradley Simmonds pays tribute to ‘gorgeous, fun and loving’ friend
CAROLINE Flack's personal trainer Bradley Simmonds has paid tribute to his "gorgeous, fun and loving" friend.
The heartbroken 25-year-old said Caroline became a close pal after he started training her in the gym.
He says she used working out to help with her mental health to "de-stress and switch off".
They started training five days a week together in 2019 and even sparked rumours of a romantic relationship.
But above all Bradley was someone Caroline, 40, trusted to talk about her feelings when she was feeling down.
In another emotional tribute on Instagram, Bradley said: "Still doesn’t feel real, but despite how upset I am I know how important this message is!
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123
"Caroline definitely had her low moments, we told each other pretty much everything so not only was I her PT but I was her go-to for her to talk, to de-stress, to switch off.
"I’m not going to lie and say Caroline loved training because she didn’t, she moaned throughout every exercise I made her complete.
"But she knew how important it was for her mindset, her mental health. Exercise became an important routine.
"We all know how gorgeous she was especially for a women her age which motivated and inspired so many, and that was also down to her commitment and hard work.
"I had the honour to train her five days a week throughout 2019 which I enjoyed so much helping her get ready for her live shows and of course Love Island. Her career meant everything to her.
"My message is clear and simple. If you’re struggling mentally whether it’s to do with your career, your relationship, a friendship, an insecurity or just life in general then please please seek out to someone who you love and who you trust because they will do everything they can to support you and help you get through it."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
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.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
He added: "Exercise has massively been proven to also reduce stress, anxiety and depression levels.
"So please try and find a method of exercise that you enjoy even if you have to invest because it can seriously make a huge difference.
"I’m going to do everything possible to make awareness in Caroline’s name. She was incredible and should be celebrated.
"Love you mate, going to miss you and your moaning xx ."
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Caroline was found dead in her London flat after taking her own life on Saturday.
She was due to stand trial at Highbury Magistrates' Court on March 4 charged with common assault.
Caroline was accused of assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton who dialled 999 after an incident at their home on December 12.
Her friends say Caroline's suicide came amid fears over her looming court case next month.