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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Ryan Paton

ITV Loose Women's Brenda Edwards holds back tears as she's urged to 'keep going'

Loose Women's Brenda Edwards was emotional as she was told to "keep going" on today's show.

The former X Factor star appeared on the panel alongside Christine Lampard, Linda Robson and Nadia Sawalha on Wednesday's episode. They interviewed Sarah Brown on a jam packed edition of the popular ITV programme.

Gordon Brown's wife opened up on the loss of her child as their daughter, Jennifer, died in 2001 after being born prematurely. Sarah set up the charity, Theirworld, a year later to keep her daughter's legacy alive and tackle the complications surrounding premature births.

READ MORE: Loose Women pulled from air for breaking announcement

Sarah revealed she was indundated with 13,000 messages in the aftermath of her daughter's death and said she responded to every one that provided an address. Brenda's eldest son, Jamal, died in February aged 31 - and the panelist said she is "still trying to reply" to messages.

She held back to tears as Sarah issued an emotional message of support. She said: "People want to hear. I still meet people who tell me they've got the card I sent them all those years ago. It's worth it, keep going."

An inquest in June confirmed Jamal died from a cardiac arrhythmia caused by taking recreational drugs. Brenda has set up a charity to honour her son's legacy named the Jamal Edwards’ Self Belief Trust .

Brenda announced her plans in April and said the charity will help support communities and causes that were close to her son's heart. She said: "Jamal no longer being here has left a huge impact on my life and that of his family, friends and all those he supported and lifted in his unique and humble way. Jamal lived his life staying true to himself, providing a platform for all to showcase what made them special whilst encouraging all to believe in themselves to achieve their full potential.

"I have been so touched by the messages of support received from people from all walks of life who have positive stories to tell of Jamal’s generosity which he gave selflessly.

"To honour his memory and continue his legacy, The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust has been set up with an objective to support those causes that mattered most to Jamal. The Trust will target three key interrelated areas : (i) Combatting homelessness; (ii) Supporting people with mental health issues and; (iii) Providing young people with essential life skills."

She added: "The Trust will look to establish a network of “Self Belief” Houses with the aim of offering individuals who are living rough a roof over their heads. There will be programmes to help tackle mental health issues they may face as well as the means to get back on their feet. The House will offer specialised programmes designed to address issues of self-confidence and other psychological challenges residents may face.

"Jamal was passionate about empowering youth and providing the next generation with both the life skills and opportunities to maximise their potential. The second key initiative the Trust will focus its energy and resources on will be to build The SB Academy, which will continue the mission started by Jamal of hosting specialised programmes aimed at helping young people prepare themselves for adult life.

"While we wait for the completion of the Trust set up we would be appreciative of any contribution you can make to the Trust and we hope we can make Jamal proud by building out these programmes to support causes that he cared about deeply."

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