A 48-year-old father took his own life only days before Christmas after his benefits were stopped.
Kevin Dooley, a dad of three, had bought walkie-talkies for his children and grandchildren before his death. His grieving daughter, Leanne, believes it was his father’s way of keeping in touch with them from above.
Leanne said that she had seen her father only hours before he ended his life.
The mother-of-three said: “On the day my dad hung himself, I visited him, but I was in a real hurry because it was coming up to Christmas and I’d been at work and was rushing to collect my children from school.
“I didn’t hug him or tell him I loved him. That will haunt me always.”
Only hours later, she returned and found that her father had hung himself.
“I hope everyone who reads my story hugs the people they love this Christmas. You never know when you will run out of time.”
After her father passed away, she found out that he had ordered walkie-talkies to be delivered to her house.
“I like to think it was his way of keeping in touch from heaven,” she expressed.
Leanne said that her father, who was a decorator and DIY expert, was a fit and healthy man.
“When I was little, my dad was lots of fun. He had always struggled with depression but did his best to hide it.
“When I got my own place he laid new floors and did all my DIY. When my kids came along, he idolized them. He looked after them whilst I worked, and he spoiled them with treats and presents.”
In 2001, Kevin started suffering with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was diagnosed with a blood disorder.
“Dad really struggled with his health. He had several blackouts and hospital admissions. I worked in a pharmacy so I helped with his medication. I visited him every day,” Leanne continued.
“He loved seeing my children, he really lived for his granddaughters.”
But in November, Kevin was notified that his benefits would be stopped.
“Dad rang me at work and he was crying and panicking. I had never heard him in such a state. I told him that we’d appeal, I couldn’t see how anyone could declare him fit to work. I felt sure it was a mistake,” Leanne shared.
When Kevin’s appeal was rejected, Leanne started to make preparations to go to a tribunal. She also planned to give him money to help him out but he didn’t want it.
“He wanted to be able to buy treats for his grandkids and to feed and look after himself, with his own money,” she said.
On December 17, she received a text from her dad saying: “I love you.”
She rushed to his house and found him unresponsive.
Kevin was taken to hospital but he passed away on December 20 at the age of 48.
“I was absolutely heartbroken. Despite his depression, I hadn’t seen it coming. He had ordered walkie talkies for my daughters which arrived a few days before Christmas. I like to think it’s his way of keeping in touch,” Leanne added.
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