Our Little Man Oscar
Oscar: A Spirit Full of Smiles
Oscar was a fun-loving, free-spirited soul who found joy in making jokes, bringing smiles to those around him, and creating adventures wherever he went.
Whether it was hiding in shops, digging holes in the garden, or setting up a tent for a spontaneous overnight escape, Oscar always lived in the moment. He had a natural talent for building with Lego, creating intricate designs far beyond his years. His quirky creativity and endless curiosity kept him constantly smiling, climbing trees, and playfully scaring his mum, just to see her reaction.
Oscar’s Kindness and Connection
Oscar shared a wonderful bond with his older sister, Jaz. She was always looking out for him, and together they often found themselves in playful mischief.
One of Oscar’s proudest accomplishments was performing close-up magic shows in care homes to raise funds for a World Challenge. It was heartwarming to see the delight on the faces of the elderly, and I am so proud of his achievements
When Life Changed for Oscar
However, when Oscar was 11, he began to struggle deeply. The impact of family changes, including divorce and feelings of abandonment, led to a breakdown. His behavior changed, and he became reluctant to go to school.
Despite seeking support, it was limited, and Oscar had difficulty expressing his thoughts and feelings. Bullying, combined with a serious incident during a school trip, resulted in him transferring schools. It felt like no one at the school was truly listening or addressing his needs.
At 14 and a half, Oscar and I discovered that we were both highly sensitive people and empaths. This revelation explained so much—the missed school days, frequent illnesses, exhaustion, and sensitivities to certain foods and environments.
We learned that being highly sensitive meant we were wired differently, and that external situations had a profound impact on our health and well-being. As we navigated this discovery, Covid-19 hit, and Oscar was actually relieved not to be attending school. However, spending long periods isolated in his room took a toll on his mental health.
Oscar’s passion for pit biking
Oscar’s passion for pit biking led him to a group of teenagers whose behaviours sometimes worried me. He was so naïve, just wanting to have fun and embrace the teenage life.
By the summer of 2021, it became clear that Oscar was losing interest in college plans for the fall. In the last few weeks of his life, he became quiet and withdrawn.
He had never shown signs of self-harm or expressed any intentions of taking serious action, but despite everything we did to support him, Oscar made the heartbreaking decision to end his life on September 14, 2021
Although he survived for three more days, he passed away on September 17, 2021. During those difficult moments, we learned that when Oscar was 13 years old, he had made the selfless choice to be an organ donor.
This brave decision has since saved the lives of five people, giving them a second chance. On November 9, 2022, Jaz and I accepted an award in recognition of Oscar’s incredible gift.
We move forward now with Oscar’s spirit guiding us, determined to help other young people like him, so that they may find the support they need and the hope they deserve.
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