THE brother of a teenager who tragically died is hoping to put mental health issues under the spotlight.

Ryan Whamond, 23, of Canterbury Road, Urmston, established The Aleisha Whamond Foundation following the death of his sister, Aleisha.

The former Egerton High School pupil’s passing in 2012 came as a shock to her family; the cause of death unascertained.

Ryan formed the foundation late last year, with an aim of raising awareness of mental health problems, which Aleisha suffered from, and funds for mental health charities and hospitals.

Aleisha’s story and her brother’s fight to end the stigma attached to such issues are the focus of a new documentary, by production company Red Lion Picture, called Aleisha’s Voice.

“Mental health issues are something hundreds of thousands of people suffer with every day but are scared to admit they have – I want the foundation to be a voice for them,” said Ryan.

“Her story is going to affect everyone who watches and it is one that needs telling.”

Ryan manages Old Stretfordians AFC and the team has put their full support behind the foundation. The team play in shirts with Aleisha’s name on the front and film crews caught up with the footballers during a recent match.

“In the documentary we go through the basic story of Aleisha – her past, the fact she was one of the youngest people to be sectioned, the coroners court process, lack of surveillance the night she passed away,” said Ryan.

“We also had the behind the scenes stuff, interviewing the football team. They captured a moving piece where the team, without my knowledge, presented my family with a bunch of flowers. This made me emotional as my mother, since Aleisha’s passing, hasn’t been out of the house much.

“For her to come on the day we started filming, seeing everyone in the sponsor jumpers and the kits with Aleisha’s name on, was amazing.”

Ryan hopes that the documentary will be broadcast on mainstream TV in the near future.

The next aim for the foundation is to organise a football game with ex pros and celebrities. Ryan hopes to hold the match in August 2017.