In memory of our loving son, Michael, who sadly took his own life. Michael was a helpful, kind and very creative young man, who suffered mental ‘dark days’ that left him in a vulnerable place. As a young adult Michael would follow a periodic cycle where his mental wellbeing would improve daily up until a peak of total happiness. In this place he was so creative. He would make suggestions how to improve his work, how to make his life better, he would draw, and he would write. But for some reason he would then take a sharp drop-off of his metal health. This was his dangerous state, in his own words ‘his darkness’. His ‘darkness’ did not last long, maybe a day, maybe a couple of days, then he would ascend back up his escalator towards, in Michael’s words, ‘his light’. When in his ‘darkness’ was the time he needed help, but he found it difficult to find this help, and as soon as he moved up into his ‘light’ he believed all was well so he believed no help was needed.

In both forms of Michael’s mental state is where a group like Andys Man Club can help. Michael knew this, he had the wristband, he had the calling card, but he did not have the energy.

Sadly, most of the above is what we have surmised from reading his words, clearing his flat, speaking to his friends, and looking back; Michael always tried to stay positive to us, his parents, kept his darkest thoughts from us, and we suppose he did not want to overly worry us. We wish he had spoken more often about his real feelings – rather than think like a typical man (man-up).

We miss him so much, and pray for him. For those who read these words, and you have sons, or daughters, just please remember to hug them, don’t let them go.

During his last period of ‘darkness’ he wrote some lyrics to a moving song, which the chorus goes as follows:

This hole is terrifying. We’ve all paid our dues, but the light that we shine is stronger than the dark.

Smash it! Destroy the darkness and send it on its way!

Spread the light!

Spread the light.

Please help reduce the risk of male suicide. If you wish to donate in memory of our son please donate to this great cause, Andys Man Club. Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.