We must talk about suicide, says grieving teen

Alfie says it is very important to remove the stigma around suicide

A 16-year-old boy whose father took his own life says it is "so important" to talk about suicide to "remove the stigma" .

Alfie, from Liverpool, lost his father in 2017 when he was eight.

The teenager and his family set up Alfie's Squad as a way of helping other children who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Teams of 30 fundraisers will take part in a 650-mile race across England, based on BBC1 programme Race Across the World, to raise funds and awareness.

The "Race for a Reason" will see the teams start at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium and finish at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground in London in mid-November.

The teams will have to solve clues and complete tasks as they make their way around England.

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Alfie told BBC Breakfast: "It is so important to remove the stigma around suicide.

"It is a difficult conversation but an important one.

"I know how rough it is to talk about.

"It has been eight years since I lost my Dad.

"Being able to provide a space for children who are at the same age when I lost my Dad is so important.

"To talk about what is happening with them and what they are going through is so important."

Alfie's dad died eight years ago

Fifteen teams have so far signed up for the charity challenge.

Alfie's mum Allison said: "We wanted to think of something to raise awareness and make it exciting for people to take part.

"It was inspired by Race across the World and will cover the whole of England."