Montana Brown gave a moving eulogy for Love Island friend Mike Thalassitis at his funeral today.
Montana choked back tears as she urged people to “be kinder” to one another during her tribute to Mike, who took his own life last month age 26. His body was found in woods near his London home.
Montana was pictured clutching her speech for Mike and sobbing as she arrived at Christ Church in Southgate.
A huge number of family and famous friends gathered to say goodbye to the reality star.
She urged everyone who had gathered at the funeral to check in on one another because “life is too short”.
She told the congregation: “The whole nation was shocked by this, and this isn’t something you forget.
“I’m looking at everyone right here and asking you to change yourself, change how you live your life, change how you love your loved ones, and also change how you treat strangers.
“I can see a lot of reality faces in the room, please do not let this pass you by.”
Referring to the sudden rise to fame that reality stars like Mike experience, she continued: “It’s so hard, the rejection, the competitiveness, the need to constantly look OK on social media.
“So let’s learn from this. We’re all in the same boat. We all go through the same stresses.
“Let’s just be kinder, be nicer, more genuine, let’s check in on each other, life’s too short.”
Read more: Montana Brown breaks down over final text from Mike Thalassitis
She went on to praise Mike, who found fame on Love Island in 2017, for the “kind” and “generous” man he was, adding that he was “misunderstood”.
Read more: Police confirm cause of death of Mike Thalassitis
“Mike I truly believe you exhausted every avenue to avoid this outcome as I know you knew you were loved by so many people,” she said.
“You’re kind, you’re generous, and sometimes very lairy, but that’s the Mike we all cherish and love.
“I know there’s people in this room who’d give anything to have you back. You were so misunderstood, and I feel privileged to have been your friend.”
If you or someone you know are struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, call the Samaritans on 116 123.
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