The fiancé of a man who was found dead after two years of mental health problems has spoken for the first time of her family’s heartbreak, revealing her daughter, 10, goes out in the evenings to talk to her daddy’s star. Dad of two Darren McHugh, 39, was found in the family home in June this year.
His fiancé, Louise Tither, has paid tribute, saying he had 'begged for help'. She said: “Darren had threatened to kill himself and he’d begged for help, but he was sent home from hospital without any support. The day after, he was found dead.
“There is a star named in Darren’s memory and now our daughter goes outside to show him her new clothes or to tell him about her day. It brings me some comfort that he lives on through her.”
The couple met through Darren’s mother, who was Louise’s neighbour, and started dating on Valentine’s Day 2008. Mum of two Louise said: “Darren worked in a factory. He was quiet but a really lovely bloke and we became friends.
"We actually got together on Valentine’s Day, and from
In January 2012, the couple had a daughter, Ellie. Louise said: “Darren was over the moon. He was a very loving dad both to Kyle and Ellie. We got engaged and we were so happy, as a family.”
But Louise noticed Darren was becoming paranoid about safety. Louise said: “He didn’t want to go on holiday, because he was worried about the house being burgled. We went on days out instead.
“He was very wary about sharing his bank details online, because he always suspected a scam. He was such a worrier.”
Darren became convinced something bad was about to happen, and his mental health deteriorated. Louise said: “Darren thought there was something or someone out to get us. I was very confused by it. I had never dealt with mental illness before.”
Darren was treated in hospital for a short period in 2020 but, though he appeared to recover, his worries never really went away. By June 2022, he was becoming increasingly anxious.
Louise said: “I had been pleading with him to get help. He wanted to get better, but it didn’t feel like the right support was there for him. We eventually got him to go to hospital, and he told them he was going to kill himself, he was in tears, but he was just sent home.
“The following day, he was found hanged in our bathroom. He sent me a message saying not to go into the house. He was found by his younger sister who went to check on him.”
Family played his favourite songs at his recent funeral and a friend bought a star in his name, for Louise and the children. Louise said: “Ellie finds his star at night and tells him all about her day. I overheard her asking him if he liked her new top. It breaks my heart but it’s also a comfort that she can talk to him in that way.
“I can’t help feeling that he could have been saved. He was having a bad time, but with the right support and the right treatment, perhaps he’d still be here. I’ve made a complaint to the hospital because I don’t want any other family to suffer as we have.”
A spokesman for Wigan, Wrightington and Leigh NHS said: “Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is unable to comment on individual cases, however we are aware of a complaint submitted to the Trust.
"People who present at our hospitals with concerns over their mental health are seen and assessed by a member of a team that is under the remit of Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH).”
Caroline Cain, Head of Operations at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) said: “We cannot comment on individual cases, however we are aware of the complaint and are in close contact with the family.
“At GMMH, we always do everything we can to provide timely support and treatment to those presenting in A&E in a mental health crisis. We are working hard with all our system partners to ensure we provide the best possible care; and would like to offer reassurance that our services remain safe and available for all who need them.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, help is available. Our mental health helpline is available all day and night, 365 days per year, free of charge, on 0800 953 0285. To find out about the support services in your area, visit www.gmmh.nhs.uk or speak with your GP.”
If you need help, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123.
