MIC’s Josh Patterson reveals tragic death of three-month-old godson

• Anyone affected by the issues raised in this article can contact The Mariposa Trust at sayinggoodbye.org 

Josh Patterson has revealed his godson Archie has tragically passed away at only three months old.

The Made In Chelsea star, 34, took to his Instagram on Sunday to announce the devastating news, and explain he had taken some time away to process his grief.

Sharing a photo of him holding Archie, Josh explained that the little boy had passed away in his sleep on June 17, and they had held his memorial on Friday.

He admitted that saying his goodbyes and reading a poem at the service was ‘one of the hardest things I have done, and will ever have to do.’

He penned: ‘With little context thank you for your constant messages of kindness and support over the past three weeks.

‘This is a tough thing to write, On the 17th June my Godson Archie tragically passed away in his sleep, he was only 3 months old. 

‘Friday was his cremation and memorial to say our final goodbyes. I was asked to read a poem alongside his other godfather, a good friend of mine at his cremation. It was one of the hardest things I have done, and will ever have to do.

‘I took some time away to be home and close to his parents, who have been so unbelievable brave during this incredible dark time, and for myself to try and process what has happened. 

‘I have grown up with his parents and adore them greatly, it made my love for Archie even stronger, and the meaning behind being his godfather even more special.’

Josh added that in time he wanted to use the pain of his loss to make a positive change to help others.

He said: ‘I hope he can see the impact he will have on so many lives around the world. He will be the inspiration behind so much of what I now do. 

‘The pain I feel will be converted over time into something powerful, something I hope will help others in a time of struggle.’

Directing his final words to his godson, he heartbreakingly concluded: ‘I love you Archie, I hope where ever you are it’s a happy and peaceful place. 

‘One day we will be reunited, when that day comes with a big smile on our faces, we can celebrate all the things we’ve shared together in spirit. ❤️’

He also shared the poem that he had read out, titled A letter from Heaven, that began: ‘To my dearest family and friends. Some things I’d like to say. But first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

‘I’m writing this from heaven. Where I dwell with god above. Where there are no tears or sadness, there is just eternal love.

‘Please do not be unhappy. Just because I’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you. Every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you. When my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me. And said. “I welcome you”.’

The heartfelt poem ended with the line: ‘When it’s time for you to go from your body to be free. Remember, you are not going. You are coming home to me.’

Josh was flooded with comments from his followers giving their condolences and sending messages of support.

Among them were former Made In Chelsea co-star Ashley James, who wrote: ‘Oh god Josh, this is absolutely devastating. Sending love to you and his family ❤️‍’.

While TOWIE’s Ferne McCann said: ‘Devastating. Sending so much love to you and Archie’s parents. Thinking of his mamma so so much. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️’.

And Love Island star Zara McDermott, who briefly also appeared on the Channel 4 show, said: ‘Heart broken for you. I’m so sorry ❤️’.

Last year, Josh – who shares daughter India, six, with ex-girlfriend Binky Felstead – became the first person to complete 76 marathons in 76 days across the UK’s 76 cities.

The reality star took on mammoth challenge in May 2023, to raise money for suicide prevention charity, the Samaritans and fund lifesaving phone calls to people in crisis.

The Run to 1 Million campaign has currently raised a staggering £320,837 from 20,224 supporters.

Josh explained that he had a personal reason for the charity campaign, as he has battled terrible bouts of depression, crippling anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Last year, he told MailOnline: ‘For most of my life I have struggled with my mental health. I have had bad bouts of depression. I’ve been at the point of contemplating suicide.

‘I have pretty bad anxiety that I live with every day. When I was younger there was a real lack of understanding of what it was and the support in place for it.’

Josh said he would often be ashamed of his mental health struggles as he grew up with loving parents in a comfortable home.  

He said: ‘Mental illness is a terrible torturous disease where you’re a prisoner to your though. 

‘For me this made struggling with my own mental health even harder – I would beat myself up thinking I had no right to feel the way I did when others out there have been and are going through so much worse.’

He went on: ‘Men struggle. I think ultimately from a young age we are told not to show emotion and “man up”. There’s too many men are taking their lives on a daily basis because they’re too proud to reach out.

‘I’m trying to change the narrative. When you do live with things like this it doesn’t mean that life has to come to an end.’

Anyone affected by the issues raised in this article can contact The Mariposa Trust at sayinggoodbye.org 

For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org