Emmerdale star reveals heartbreaking death of younger brother and reveals plans to remember him
Tom Atkinson is an English actor who plays Lachlan White in Emmerdale.
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Before joining Emmerdale, he starred in Eric & Ernie and Trying Again, and Thomas' character committed several murders in the soap.
In 2018, he confirmed his exit from the soap after four-and-a-half years of portraying the serial killer, who was going to prison for a very long time.
And in a heartbreaking recent update, it has been revealed that Tom's younger brother took his own life.
Now, one of his brother Matt's close friends is running the Manchester Half Marathon in his memory, as well as to raise money.
The Emmerdale star posted a photo of his younger brother, and wrote a heartbreaking caption.
It read: 'Hi all. I haven't posted anything about this yet for the privacy of my family, but now I feel is the right time to do so.
'In October of last year, as I'm sure many of you will already know, my younger brother, Matt, tragically took his life. It's been the hardest time of mine and my family's lives, and we've really appreciated all the kindness we've received from those of you that knew him.
'Matt was a wonderful, kind, and incredibly funny person. Words cannot describe just how much he'll be missed by so many people.
'One of Matt's close friends @amackie99 is running the Manchester Half Marathon this weekend in memory of my brother, as well as to raise money for Empowerment Charity Lancashire.
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'They're a charity based here in the northwest set up to support families and friends who've been affected by suicide, as well as providing emotional support for those who need it. They've been there for my family since we lost Matt, as they are for many others across the Lancashire area, offering support to families and to us when we needed it most.'
Tom continued: 'If you can spare anything at all, please consider donating through the link in my bio. The money goes directly to helping other families like mine who are dealing with loss in the most awful of circumstances.
'I'd also like to kindly ask for your understanding and respect for our privacy during this time. While I'm sharing this to support a cause close to my heart, my family and I are still processing our grief, and we appreciate the space to do so in our own way. Your thoughtfulness means everything to us right now.
'If any of you ever feel low, know that it's okay to be so. And if you ever need to talk things through, Samaritans are always there to listen on 116 123.'
In the tribute to his brother, actor Tom posted a string of photos ranging from more recent pictures to throwbacks of them together as kids.
Devastated followers shared their words of support in the comments, as one person wrote: 'Sorry for ur loss, thoughts for all who loved & knew ur brother. What beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing.'
A second person added: 'So so sorry for your loss Tom, my deepest condolences and sending love to you and your family.'
And a third echoed: 'So sorry to hear Tom, can't imagine what you've been going through.'
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