A dad was found dead at home just days after discovering his mum was terminally ill.
Robert Courtney had been out with his brother Craig, on Tuesday, November 29 last year, two days before his death. His family said he spent much of the following day, on Wednesday, in bed after saying he didn't feel well.
Craig confirmed that the 35-year-old would normally sleep for most of the day after a night out. In a statement he said: "He would normally sleep it off and wake up in the morning and say he'll never do it again."
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Robert, who was from Ormskirk, shared a home with his nan Joan Owen, in Skelmersdale. Lancs Live reports that Craig called round to his nan's to check on Robert in the early evening of Wednesday and Robert said "I'm not well, I'm not well".
The following morning, on Thursday December 1, Robert's nan Joan had been visited by her sister Brenda and when they realised there were no sounds coming from his bedroom they went to check on him. Robert had been heard snoring and they left him assuming he was asleep.
However, at 1pm, Robert still hadn't surfaced and Joan went again to check on him. As she opened the door she "immediately knew something was wrong". Paramedics were called but Robert was sadly pronounced dead.
An inquest held on Monday, April 24, at Preston Coroner's Court heard that Robert had just started a new job, delivering car parts, and had recently reported being clean of cocaine and alcohol for several weeks. In a statement his brother Craig said Robert had been using cocaine for several years.
Although he could go a week without taking the drug he would then "go on a bender". Post mortem toxicology tests revealed Robert had potentially fatal levels of heroin in his system at the time of his death.
The tests also found evidence for recent cocaine and amphetamine use. Concluding that Robert's death was drug-related, Assistant Coroner Laura Fox said: "He had a long history of drug abuse. Toxicology tests tragically confirmed that his blood concentration of total morphine was within the range encountered in fatalities associated with the use of heroin."
After the inquest, Robert's family said he "adored his kids" and would "get on with anyone". They revealed how just a few days before Robert's death he had found out his mum was terminally ill and she tragically passed away five days after her son.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul's Place - providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
The Martin Gallier Project - offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
James' Place - supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
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