On 21st April 2024, our youngest son, Henry Joseph Grierson (17) made the tragic decision to end his own life, breaking the hearts of his family and sending shockwaves through the community.
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Henry is our baby, with siblings Naomi (23), Thomas (21), and Jacob (19). A dedicated squad swimmer from age 7, he followed his brothers into Rugby League and Rugby Union before secondary school. He achieved impressive GCSEs and was attending college. Recently, he had been selected to represent Scotland in the u19s European Rugby League Championships alongside Jacob. As an Air Cadet, he was pursuing his dream to become an Avionics Technician in the RAF. We couldn’t be prouder.
However, Henry was so much more than his achievements. He was a unique individual with a truly larger-than-life personality. Funny, intelligent, articulate, and sometimes silly, he possessed a deep intellect and emotional maturity that many will never achieve in their lifetimes. Our beautiful boy was kind and thoughtful—a “one-off,” totally unique. There will never be another Henry Grierson. His passion, humor, wit, and individuality made him a fascinating person, and we couldn’t be prouder to be his family.
Henry, you will remain forever 17 in our hearts, the brightest firework in the sky. A life of extrovert superlatives—beautiful and spectacular. While your life may have been short, your cheeky smile and the crazy memories will last. You lit up our lives and spread so much joy.
Following what we hope will be the world’s most amazing funeral, we begin the process of turning this tragedy into a positive legacy. Henry exhibited signs of ADHD from a very young age, officially diagnosed at age 10. He described himself as “A Ferrari With No Brakes.” He experienced challenges such as biting his nails, being untidy, struggling with money management, being late, continually fidgeting, shouting out in class, and forgetting his books. As he grew older, he was prone to impulsive actions that had serious consequences he was not emotionally equipped to handle. Sadly, Henry was let down by the education system, the NHS, and the Police. Although unintentional, the lack of understanding of neurodiversity in these institutions meant that Henry did not receive the necessary support, which ultimately affected his self-respect. This led to low self-esteem and self-medicating with substances to cope. In honor of Henry, we will create change for those who, like him, struggle to navigate education and transition into adulthood, promoting ADHD awareness and mental health support.
For individuals aged 15-29, suicide is the second leading cause of death. The prevalence of ADHD is estimated at 5-7% among those under 18. Studies suggest a connection between ADHD and issues such as antisocial behavior, depression, and substance abuse. Moreover, individuals with ADHD are at a higher risk of suicide. Help us break this cycle and improve education resources about ADHD in schools so that young people receive the appropriate accommodations they need.
Ferrari boy, our hearts are broken. Rest in peace, Henry, and know that our love for you could not be greater and will never diminish. If you know Henry, his family, are touched by ADHD, or simply want to make the world a kinder place, please consider making a donation. Help us educate others about mental health support and create a better world for everyone. We are all different!
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse, please reach out for professional help. Remember, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
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