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A kind father who “wouldn’t hurt a fly” took his own life two years after being violently attacked.
Paul Sullivan was found dead at his home near Skelmersdale on October 31 after a two-year struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paul, known to his friends as Sully, had lived for years with depression and in 2018 was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack.
Falling into a cycle of drug abuse and paranoia, Paul struggled to overcome the memory of that attack, with his daughter Becky Sullivan telling LancsLive, “I was hearing voices and seeing things.
“He couldn’t sleep, he was having flashbacks and nightmares, he had all these things running through his mind that he kept repeating over and over again, it was really bad.
“The drugs would have contributed to that, but he was also so scared of going to sleep that he was taking drugs to stay awake.”
“He was awake for days at a time.”
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Sully was born on December 2, 1966 in the Pemberton area of Wigan.
Becky describes her father as a kind and intelligent man, who would not hurt a fly.
Before battling PTSD, Sully had a high-level job as a project manager at World Pay and was about to work with the company’s US branch.
Becky said, “He would do anything for anyone and he didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone.
“He always used to take me and my brother Tom to concerts, The Courteeners, The Arctic Monkeys, U2.
“He didn’t have a violent bone in his body, he was the kind of person who doesn’t fight back.”
The 53-year-old had suffered from depression and mental illness for years, but Becky believes he had control over the condition.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to speak up, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you’d rather write down how you feel, or if you’re concerned about being overheard, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- Childline (0800 1111) has a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number will not appear on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organization that supports adolescents and young adults who feel suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity that provides counseling 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 bad mood, or have suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for children and adults affected by bullying.
- 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.
- Youth Counseling Service – Provides mental health and emotional wellness services for Liverpool children, youth and families. tel: 015 177 1025 email: [email protected]
- Paul’s Place – Provides free counseling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: [email protected]
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The Martin Gallier Project: Offers face-to-face support for people considering suicide and their families. Business hours from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., 7 days a week. Tel: 0151644 0295 email: [email protected]
Becky, 20, said: “I had depression even before I was born.
“But he controlled it, he was taking medication and it didn’t seem to affect him as much.”
In June 2018, Sully was walking home to Highfield in Wigan. It was around midnight and the father of two was ready for bed.
But before he could get home he was attacked by a man who accused Sully of having an affair with his wife.
The violent and unprovoked attack would leave Paul traumatized for the rest of his life.
Becky said, “The pavement was soaked in blood.
“I went to see him after he was attacked and I sat with him while he talked to the ambulance and the police.
“The guy just hit him and my dad fell to the ground, the guy didn’t stop kicking him. He also had bruises on his ribs.
“I think the guy would have killed him if he hadn’t stopped, it was that brutal.”
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Sully physically recovered from his injuries, but was mentally scarred by what had happened that night.
She said: “He was physically ill due to post-traumatic stress disorder, he couldn’t work because it affected him so much.
“He didn’t leave the house for a long time, he was so scared, his friends tried to convince him but he always made excuses.”
Things continued to get worse for Sully, who began using cocaine to deal with his problems.
Having previously condemned drug use, Becky believes her father became dependent on the drug which helped him forget the attack.
On October 31, Sully was found dead in his Upholland home around 2 p.m., after taking his own life.
Becky said: “I found out after I got home from work, it was the last thing I expected to hear, I just couldn’t believe it.
“I knew he was struggling, but I never expected that at all. I was never able to talk to him before.
“I hope other people with PTSD can talk, I don’t want other people to keep it to themselves because that’s what my father did.”
Becky is currently raising money for the mental health charity MIND in memory of her father.
The 53-year-old leaves behind his daughter and 15-year-old son, Tom.
Becky and her family accept all funds and can be donated on her GoFundMe page.
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