The family of a loving Plymouth Dad who took his own life say he was 'failed' by mental health services after months of waiting for support. They are now urgently appealing to the public to help them try and raise funds to pay for his funeral.
Dan Higgings aged 34, from St Budeaux, sadly died on 26 June after a long and painful battle with his mental health. Despite asking for help, he was placed on a waiting list and never received the support he desperately needed.
Now, close family friend Stephanie Taylor has launched a GoFundMe campaign in Dan’s memory. With no life insurance and funeral costs beyond reach, they are asking for help from the community to give Dan the goodbye he deserves.
"With Dans passing, his beautiful wife, Abbie, obviously wants to celebrate him for the amazing person he was.
"Unfortunately, without a life insurance policy in place or a financial miracle Abbie will not be able to give him even a basic funeral.
"We know times are hard for everyone, however if anyone feels they could spare even £1 to help towards Dans final journey, we would be forever grateful.
"All money raised will pay directly, for Dans funeral."
Dan Higgings was just 34 when he died after waiting months for mental health support. He leaves behind a wife and young children who are now facing the unimaginable: planning a funeral with no means to pay for it.
Even the smallest donation can help ease their burden and show them they are not alone. Please help if you can. Every pound makes a difference.
All money raised will go directly towards the cost of Dan’s funeral. Any additional funds will be used to create Memory Bears from his favourite clothes, so his children and wife can always carry a part of him with them.
Dan’s death has sparked fresh concern about the state of mental health support in the city, with his family calling for urgent reform. A family friend told Plymouth Plus:
"There’s not enough support for those like Dan who were having to suffer in silence as there was just no help available just on the waiting list".
Dan’s death has left his family and friends heartbroken and has also sparked renewed calls for urgent investment in mental health support in Plymouth.
More than 16,500 people in England have waited over 18 months for mental health treatment, according to NHS figures. Around one million people are currently on waiting lists, with services struggling to keep up with demand.
If you or someone you know needs support, please visit our dedicated help and support page here.
You can also contact the Samaritans on 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org.
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