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The mum ‘begging’ for change after son takes own life
The grieving mum of a 19-year-old student who took his own life has ‘begged’ for more to be done to try to prevent similar tragedies.
Beck Bromley, who had just completed his first year at the University of Manchester, was pronounced dead at the Royal Stoke University Hospital days after being found hanged at his family home in Leek, Staffordshire, in November last year.
A CT scan revealed a hypoxic brain injury. An inquest has since ruled that Beck took his own life, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports.
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North Staffordshire assistant coroner Daniel Howe earlier listened to a desperate plea from Beck’s mum, Frances Bromley.
She told the inquest: “We would like to use this opportunity to make a heartfelt plea, not only on behalf of the one-in-50 people in the UK who will at some time experience the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but also on behalf of their families, friends and extended communities. I am standing here today as a mother, grieving the loss of her son. And I am in the gut-wrenching position to see things that, if done differently, might, just might have saved our son’s life.
“To the medical community, I beg you to find a way to help those whose thinking is so impaired that they cannot help themselves. When families come to you pleading for help, don’t turn them away because the child is over 18 and at the height of their first manic episode refuse to request care themselves.
“Remember, when you are communicating with family members of someone in mental distress, that they are not medical professionals, that they are often frightened, sleep deprived, exhausted and confused. Do not simply assume that they know how to best provide care for their loved-ones.
“Make it a requirement that before any drug that is known to exacerbate suicidal ideation can be prescribed, parents and care-givers must explicitly be informed of the dangers and together with a medical provider must complete a written suicide safety plan like that offered on the Papyrus website.
“To drug makers, if there is potential for your drug to exacerbate or lead to suicidal ideation, like the drug prescribed to Beck, to include a suicide safety plan template with the drug packaging.
“To NHS policymakers, according to NHS data, bipolar disorder often develops between the age of 15 and 19. Develop a system to help young people over the age of 18 navigate a medical system when they are in crisis.
“To the public, death by suicide and suicidal ideation is caused by a life-threatening mental illness – that is why the NHS tells you to call 999 in the case of a suicide attempt or self-harm. Together, we can all help prevent suicide.”
Beck had secured three A* A-Levels at Westwood College, in Leek, to study at the University of Manchester. He had completed his first year.
Mrs Bromley added: “We are all unique. Our communities, successes and failures build our resilience in life. With the help of my community, I now have to figure out a way to carry the pain of losing my son to suicide. I am trying my best to keep calm and accept the things I cannot change and have the courage to change the things I can.
“Beck was a mathematician, a musician, a surfer, a best friend, a brother, a son, but perhaps most important was the smile that he shared with everyone he met. I know that no-one wanted Beck to die. Please let his smile be a call to action.”
Beck first became known to mental health services in August 2022. Beck received no one-to-one support, the inquest heard. Instead he had family talking sessions and acupuncture.
But clinical psychiatrist Dr Laura Stevenson said: “In my opinion, the care Beck received was completely appropriate and reasonable. From the initial referral to the team, they acted appropriately, their assessment was good.”
The coroner ruled out implementing a prevention of future deaths report regarding Beck’s case.
Mr Howe said: “The timescale is fairly quick deterioration, but it didn’t feel that way to the family. There was an early intervention. The difference I have to ask is regarding the level of care provided and its impact. What could have been done and that is where the legal test is.
“I must stress that the balance of probability does not equal balance of possibility. I am not satisfied that anything could have been done differently. I am not satisfied that the drugs prescribed did produce suicidal tendencies. There is nothing else I can see that would change that. I do find that he did intend to end his life so my conclusion is of suicide.”
Family and friends last night staged a charity football match in Beck’s memory at Leek Town Football Club. They have so far raised almost £14,000 towards the £20,00 target. To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
