Daniel is 32 and a father of one to the beautiful Eila. He grew up in Coalville with his older brother Steven and younger brother Adam. He recently moved to Northern Ireland to live with his parents Pete, a Lorry Driver and Debby, a local shop keeper in Trillick. Instantly falling in love with his surroundings and the people Daniel wanted to make this his home. In the short time living their Daniel has made lifelong friends.
His brother Adam also chose to move to Northern Ireland. Steven lives back in Coalville with his wife Michelle and sons Jack and Harry.
Daniel took charge of three chickens that Pete and Debby have at their home, tenderly looking after them willing them to start laying eggs. He is very hands-on and good at practical tasks. An outbuilding next to the chickens is where Daniel's making a space for himself. Constructing an ensuite and neatly painting the walls to make it as he wanted.
The house is situated on a hill, the nearest neighbours 2 fields away and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Peaceful.
On the 1st July 2019 Daniel sadly made the decision to end his own life. A decision that has left a wave of devastation for all those who knew and loved him. A decision that leaves a lot of heartbreak, numbness and emotions too hard to put into words.
Daniel is a much loved Father, Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Uncle, Cousin and friend.
You would describe him as having a big heart full of love. Taking each person for themselves and not judging. Its unimaginable to think of the crisis he was in, not asking for the help that he would often offer to others. He was described as not being himself recently and was going through personal issues but this was never the foreseen outcome.
Pete and Debby's Niece Liz along with her husband Tim were already signed up to the Peaky Minders and actively fundraising and raising awareness for Mental Health. Pete and Debby decided that they wanted to raise awareness in Daniels name so at his funeral there was a collection for the Peaky Minders in Daniels name and the priest spoke about the challenge during the service.
"Already being a part of this challenge to suddenly having a personal purpose to be doing it, I find very hard.
Tim and myself will complete the challenge, proudly now doing it for Daniel."
Liz Meadows
Challenges like what the Peaky Minders are doing not only raises money to fund vital support needed by people in crisis but also will help to raise awareness for suicide and mental health. There should be no shame in asking for help. It makes you no less of a man for admitting you've got problems.
The day after Daniels death the chickens laid their first eggs....
Thank you to Daniels parents Pete and Debby along with his brothers Steven and Adam for sharing Daniels story. Their honesty and openness will help others in the future and help towards ending the stigma that surrounds Mental Health and Suicide
Donations in Daniels name can be made at the link below and will help others get the support and help that they need in times of crisis,
If you need help with your Mental Health,
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