Anita Frawley and her daughters open up about missing their husband and father Danny
More than a year since his tragic death, Danny Frawley’s wife and daughters have revealed what they miss most about the St Kilda champion, while urging those who are struggling to seek help.
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Anita Frawley and her daughters have opened up about the grief of missing their husband and father, Danny, as they continue to support his mental health legacy.
Former St Kilda champion Frawley passed away 13 months ago after an ongoing battle with depression and the effects of what has now been uncovered as neurological disorder, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Anita and their daughters Danielle, Chelsea and Keeley, who lives in the US, have spoken ahead of Saturday’s World Mental Health Day to help others.
“We miss everything about our Dad. We miss his cackle, his smile, his ability to light up a room, his hugs, and his heart of gold. We miss him advocating for all those who are doing it tough.”
They added: “We want our tragedy to serve as a reminder to all those struggling or to those whom have made progress that you should always seek help from professionals when making decisions surrounding mental health, even when you feel as though you have recovered.
“As Danny said, “manning up in the past was to suffer in silence. Manning up now is to put your hand up”.”
The Frawleys are supporting Melbourne mental illness organisation One in Five, which has launched a fundraising drive called HOPE — bringing hope to the 4.8 million Australians living with mental illness.
The family said: “On our darkest of days, we find purpose in continuing Danny’s legacy and surrounding ourselves with friends and family. We all think it is extremely important to prioritise our mental health, whether that be walking the dogs, yoga or talking with professionals.
“We are hoping to continue Danny’s legacy for many years to come. We believe that research is absolutely vital for changing the mental health landscape.”
Keeley said it had been tough being away from her family over the first anniversary of Danny’s passing, but she knows her Dad is with her on the journey.
“Being away from my family at such a vulnerable time was really tough for me,’’ she said.
“I allowed myself to sit in the grief and reflect. It was an extremely overwhelming experience to not have my mum and sisters with me, however, I have my own little family here in Portland that helped me get through Dad’s anniversary.
“I reflected on memories with my family back home over Facetime and we made new traditions to remember our dad that transcended time zones. Although it would be preferable to be with my family at that time, I know that Dad is always with me on this journey and I can get through anything.”
Anita added: “Hope is the shining light and out guiding beacon when all else seems lost. In the darkest moments of your mind, this guiding beacon will be there, open your mind and allow yourself to follow it. Gather your support group around you and fight like hell to find this ray of hope and remember, in time, things will get better.”
Danielle said: “I hope the conversations about mental health never stop.”
Chelsea said: “I hope that the mental health implications of CTE are thoroughly researched.”
Actor Bernard Curry is fronting the national HOPE campaign in an effort to raise further awareness.
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