CHRISTMAS is a difficult time for many of us, especially those who have lost loved ones and are spending the festive period away from family and friends, like Dr Alex George.
The Love Island star, 30, will be spending today working a shift at A&E – just months after tragically losing his younger brother Llŷr’s suicide.
The reality star shared a picture of himself outside the front of the hospital wearing a blue festive NHS jumper.
He wrote: “Although I can’t be at home with my family, which is tough for the first Christmas without Llŷr, I do feel a sense of purpose coming here today.”
Dr Alex went on: “In many ways these guys are my family too. This year has been incredibly tough for each and every one of us. We have all had to endure so much.
“I want to say thank you to all of you for everything you have done. Please do something for me, raise a glass at dinner today to those who are no longer with us as well as to each other, for being so incredibly strong this year.”
He signed off, “From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, Dr Alex”
The reality star’s poignant message was met with comments and words of comfort from fellow celebs and his followers.
Ruth Langsford, who lost her sister to depression last year, wrote: “Love to you & your family… I will definitely be raising a glass. Thinking of you all.”
One follower responded: “Merry Christmas Alex. Thank you for all your hard work”
“Happy Christmas Alex you are lovely X,” added another.
While a third penned: “You’re there for a reason today… I hope you have a very merry Christmas Alex xx”
Dr Alex told fans he would be spending Christmas in hospital last week when the new Tier 4 restrictions were put in place.
The reality star shared a picture of himself in full PPE – including a face mask and screen – with the caption: “Looks like I will be alone in London this Christmas.
“As hard as it is to swallow and as upsetting as it is for the family, I will do what is necessary.
“I am going to offer my help to the hospital over Christmas, to look after those who are sick and away from their families at this time.
“This year has been crap but I refuse to lose hope or despair. I will not let this get me down.
“I am sending positivity and love to anyone affected by tonights [sic.] announcement. Remember. There is always hope of a better day”
Alex’s younger brother tragically died by suicide in July aged 20 and the star recently opened up on Llŷr’s passing during an appearance on Frankie Bridge’s Open Mind podcast.
Alex admitted he’s still “numb” and would “never get over it”.
He explained: “It’s been a tough few months, he passed on the 23rd of June so not that long ago. I’m probably still very much in a numb phase.
“I went through the horror, shock, breakdown in the first few weeks. It was out of the blue entirely. As an older brother, it’s tough to have a younger sibling do that. He had a place in medical school, he was due to start this year.
“I’ll never get over it, I think it will take me a long time to accept it. It was very much out of the blue. I think he was anxious about his exam results but we certainly didn’t think he felt like that.”
