Danny Cipriani and his rugby team have paid tribute to his friend and ex Caroline Flack during their latest match.
The player and his Gloucester teammates ran out with the words “Be Kind” printed across the back of their shirts as they played a Gallagher Premiership Rugby match against Sale on Friday.
The message referred to a social media post where the former Love Island host had told fans: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”.
Danny dated Caroline, who took her own life at the age of 40 earlier this month, last year and the pair had remained friends after splitting up.
He said ahead of the match: “Caroline was one of the most caring, genuine people I ever met.
“She endured unimaginable criticism during her years in the public eye but through it all, she just wanted people to show a little kindness to each other. And that’s a message that should be her legacy – be kind.
“We all have spells of self-doubt, anxiety and low points. Nobody needs other people to point out their flaws and make them feel worse about themselves. A little kindness goes a long way.”
Danny’s team made the tribute as part of the club’s campaign to raise mental health awareness in partnership with the Samaritans.
They are also donating £5 from every ticket purchased to the Gloucester and District Samaritans.
Following Caroline’s death, Danny shared a powerful video in which he detailed his own struggles with suicidal feelings.
Revealing she’d inspired him to speak his truth, he said: “We’ve always been in contact, since we were together, since we weren’t, it’s always been a loving friendship, and I was so vulnerable with her in my moments, when we first met, and I told her everything about me, because I felt safe with her.”
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.