NOEL: I TRIED TO KILL MYSELF
Star’s pain after losing firm to scam
NOEL Edmonds has revealed he tried to take his own life after falling victim to financial fraud.
The Deal or No Deal star said he was driven “to the brink of emotional annihilation” after a group of corrupt financiers from HBOS bank helped destroy his business, Unique Group. The 68-year-old, who is seeking £73million in compensation, said he attempted suicide after his firm collapsed.
Noel praised the emergency services for saving his life and said he checked into rehab to recover. He revealed: “Until these criminals took me to the brink of emotional annihilation, I had always felt those who opt out by taking their own lives were selfish and cowardly.
“But having been cast into that bottomless dark space devoid of logic and reason, I have a much deeper understanding of life without hope.
“I seek no sympathy and feel no shame in admitting that on the evening of January 18, 2005, I attempted to end the overwhelming mental pain which had consumed my whole being.
“The fact that I did not become another suicide statistic is solely due to the swift response of a Devon ambulance crew and the compassionate support of the Priory [rehab] in Bristol.”
The Noel’s House Party host said that since his suicide attempt, he has been involved with crisis charities. He said: “Subsequently, I have donated generously and gratefully to the Samaritans.
“I use my experience to comfort and support others for whom life has no hope. Please be kind, don’t be judgemental. Life without hope is no life.”
Former HBOS financiers were jailed earlier this year over a £245million loans scam that destroyed several businesses. The bankers splashed millions on high-end prostitutes and luxury holidays.
Noel is suing Lloyds Banking Group, which rescued HBOS during the financial crisis, for £73million. Lloyds said in April that it would begin making compensation offers to victims in May, with payments, from a £100million pot, expected to start being made this month. However, Noel has repeatedly urged Lloyds to speed up the process.
He has also asked several times to meet Lloyds chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio’s, but claims his requests have gone unanswered.
Lloyds has said that its compensation scheme is “on track” and it has started making payments to some of those affected.
The bank’s spokesman said: “Our customers’ safety is of paramount importance to us.
“If a customer says they are considering taking their own life, we must take action to protect them. In such instances, police are notified.”
I attempted to end the mental pain consuming my whole being NOEL EDMONDS ON WHY HE TRIED TO TAKE HIS LIFE