Our team received a call from the Giansante family, to learn of their tragic news, following the death of their son Oscar, aged 16 years.
As a funeral director we see being entrusted to look after all of our clients loved ones, as an honour. Every child regardless of age never leaves your mind. Oscar has become part of Andersons, we often talk about him, think of him and respect the legacy his Mum is building for him.
On January 26th 2016 Oscar made the decision to leave this world by taking his own life in the most tragic of ways. The following minutes, hours, days and weeks were fraught and hugely emotional and that was just for us as Funeral Directors. We cannot even begin to imagine the pain and heart ache Oscar’s family and friends were experiencing. His Mum Carmel, sister Isabelle, dad and Step-dad found the strength to pull together and give Oscar the funeral that truly represented everything that Oscar was. We truly believe that the work they put in helped all of the hundreds that attended to say goodbye to Oscar.
Over the last 18 months, Carmel Giansante; Oscar’s mum has been channelling her grief into founding the Oscar Phillips foundation. A charity in Oscar’s memory to help other teenagers in school not to suffer in silence.
On Tuesday 24th May 2016 the Oscar Award was unveiled at Whitby High School. The Award designed and commissioned by Tom Murphy It is inspired by Oscar’s joyful spirit and love for people and animals to help raise the awareness of young male suicide.
The Oscar Phillips foundation supporting children in schools. The words ‘hope’ and ‘Oscar’ are subtly included on the award, along with Oscar’s finger print.
Here at Anderson’s we will continue to support Oscar’s family and Oscar’s Mum in her important journey to help other children who may be suffering in silence.
