Dr Alex George reflects on turning 30 without his late brother

Dr Alex George has shared a reflective post as he reflected on turning 30 next week following the death of his brother Llŷr in July last year.

The A&E doctor, 29, posted images of ‘milestone moments’ from his twenties on his Instagram page, including a photograph of himself and his late brother, who took his own life following a mental health battle.

Dr Alex said he had complied the collection of ‘important moments’ but noticed there weren’t many images from his early twenties, which he credited to feeling unconfident in his skin due to acne.

The former Love Island contestant also noted that he believes his more memorable moments are due to the people in the photographs, rather than any achievements he has collated over the past decade. 

Dr Alex wrote: ‘On Monday I enter a new decade of my life, so I sat down to put together some photos that symbolised important moments in my 20s. A few things struck me, first of all there aren’t that many photos in my early 20s.

‘Looking back I think I lacked confidence, probably because of struggles with acne and I avoided the camera. One of the things I have learnt in the last 10 years is to be comfortable and confident in my own skin, to love who I am, with all my flaws. You are not defined by how you look. Health and happiness is what matters. 

‘I also noticed that other than my graduation day and my recent appointment, the things I really hold dear are the people around me, not my achievements. To my friends and family who have stood by me through the ups and the downs, thank you, I love each and every one of you.’

Looking back on an eventful decade, he said: ‘If you had asked me, when I was turning 20, if I would have experienced even half of whats happened in these last 10 years, I would have laughed and never believed it. 

‘There have been incredible highs and lows along this journey, but they have all contributed to who I am today.

‘I am proud of who I am and what I believe in. As I look forward to my 30s, I do so with optimism that we can build a future where happiness, wellbeing and health is the priority for us all.’

‘I will do everything I can to help on this journey and bring real change.’ 

Dr Alex also noted the tragic passing of his brother Llŷr but said he knows his brother his ‘always with him in spirit’, in a heartbreaking tribute to him.

He said: ‘Having to move into a new decade without Llŷr is so hard but I know he is with me in spirit, giving me the energy and strength to keep going. 

‘The last year has taught me a very valuable lesson, you only get one life and you never know what is around the corner. 

‘Live life and make the most of every moment. I want to travel more (when I can), spend more time with friends and family (can’t wait) and enjoy my passions (going to buy my dream car- hell). 

‘Thank you to all of you for being on this journey with me. I started my 20s with 180 followers I know have a community of 1.8 million. Thank you to each and every one of you. To the next decade.’

Among the snaps shared on Alex’s post were an image of him at his graduation after completing his medical degree at Exeter University.

He also posted a picture with his parents Anthony and Jane and with some of the boys from his stint in the Love Island villa in 2018.

Alex shared the snap from inside the villa with his co-stars Eyal Booker, Adam Collard, Wes Nelson and Jack Fincham.

He also posted a picture with his hospital colleagues after working on the frontline amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Other images included one of him at Swansea’s football ground and another of him on holiday in Dubai.

Dr Alex, who admitted it was ’emotional’ putting together the post, received support from Love Island alum Jamie Jewitt and Samira Mighty. 

Jamie wrote: ‘Keep it going mate. Smashing it.’

While Samira penned: ‘Love u.’ 

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.