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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Escher Walcott

Brenda Edwards gives tributes to son Jamal Edwards a year on from his death as mournful Ed Sheeran ‘drowns himself in rum’

Brenda Edwards shared a poignant post in memory of her son Jamal Edwards on Monday, the one-year anniversary of his death.

Jamal died aged 31 on February 20 2022 after suffering a cardiac arrest caused by recreational drugs.

Brenda, 53, uploaded a montage video of Jamal on Instagram as she said “it feels like yesterday” since his death last February.

The Loose Women panellist captioned: “Self Belief is my baby Jamal’s Mantra, this post is dedicated to my baby it’s been 1 year and yet it still feels like yesterday.

“I thank you for continuing to inspire me daily and for helping me to get my dreams together… this has been nearly two years in the making #SelfBelief #JamalEdwards #inspiration #rockwithit #comeon.”

Ed Sheeran posted a photo of himself with close friend Jamal as he also gave tribute to the SBTV founder and entrepreneur.

The Shape of You Singer, 32, wrote beside the picture: “Can’t believe it’s been a year. Miss you every day, currently drowning myself in rum listening to tunes you loved xx”.

Last month, Sheeran released a tribute song titled F64 in honour of Jamal. In the video accompanying the track, Sheeran sings he’s “lost without you” while being filmed at Stamford Bridge stadium, the home of Jamal’s favourite team Chelsea.

Jessie J, who was also close friends with Jamal, wrote on Instagram Stories on Monday: “How has it already been a year… Miss you every day”, as she reposted a montage clip of the late founder with Sheeran’s tribute song playing alongside it.

Brenda has partnered up with Virgin Media, O2 and the British Heart Foundation on a campaign pushing the rollout of defibrillators and efficient CPR training in UK.

Speaking about the campaign, Brenda told Metro: “The legacy has been going ever since Jamal passed away.

“With the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, we are launching an apprenticeship programme with Centre Point where we give young people an opportunity to have an apprenticeship within the digital media industry as well as accredited learning courses.”

The ITV star continued: “I will be upholding Jamal’s legacy as long as I’ve got breath to do so.

“He’s never out of my mind and I’m never not thinking which is one of the other reasons why I’m really glad and honoured to be a part of this campaign, because Jamal was all about giving back and helping others.”

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