(Image: UGC)
A BRADFORD district dad is turning personal tragedy into a message of hope for others.
Michael Buckett, of Silsden, lost 19-year-old son Ethan after he took his own life in June 2024 and has since written a book in his memory and launched a Community Interest Company (CIC), Forever 19.
The book, Ethan: Forever 19, tells the story of his son’s life and the impact of his loss.
He said: "Ethan is my son.
"Before anything else, that is how I want him remembered.
"He was 19, he was my best mate, and he was funny, incredibly intelligent and very much his own person."
Ethan's dad Michael Buckett
(Image: UGC)
He described Ethan as someone who loved gaming, cinema, food and time with family and friends.
He said: "We spent a lot of time together.
"Gaming was one of the things we shared, as were cinema trips and all the ordinary father-and-son moments that you never imagine will become some of your most precious memories."
'I wanted people to know who he was'
He hopes the book will help keep Ethan’s memory alive.
He said: "I wrote Ethan: Forever 19 because I wanted Ethan's life preserved in words.
"I did not write it because I wanted him remembered for how he died.
"I wrote it for the opposite reason: I wanted people to know who he was."
£12,000 raised
Following Ethan’s death, his friends organised memorial football matches through the ‘Barmy Army.’
These gatherings grew into a wider movement focused on raising mental health awareness and remembering Ethan.
They have raised £12,000 for Andy's Man Club.
He said: "They have kept Ethan's name alive.
"They have given me a reason to keep talking about him and shown me the strength that can come from friendship and community."
Dedication to improve young people's mental health
Out of this support network came Forever 19, a CIC dedicated to improving young people’s mental health.
He said: "Forever 19 grew from that loss and from a decision that, although I cannot change what happened to Ethan, I can decide what I do next."
The Forever 19 schools programme targets young people aged 13 and over.
It encourages early conversations about mental health, helps students recognise when friends might be struggling, and promotes seeking help before reaching crisis point.
He said: "The practical message is: Notice, ask, listen and support."
He hopes that by sharing Ethan’s story, even just one young person might find the courage to speak up and seek support.
He said: "I want people to remember Ethan for the life he lived, not simply the way he died."
- When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org