Daughter’s tribute to ‘amazing’ dad whose death came out of the blue
daughter of a Derbyshire taxi driver has paid tribute to him and encouraged others who may be struggling to speak out about their mental health struggles.
Michael Payne, who had three children and 11 grandchildren, had spent 30 minutes on the phone to Samaritans on the day he tragically took his own life.
The 55-year-old worked as a taxi driver and delivery driver in his home town of Chesterfield throughout his life, and was a “massive follower” of Chesterfield FC and big fan of the TV sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Now his daughter, Charlotte Harper, has paid tribute to her father and said that he would always be there to help.
She spoke about him to help prevent others from suffering in silence.
She said: “It was a shock to all of our systems because it was just totally out of the blue.
“He died in May and since May until a week ago, it’s been very up and down, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster ride.
“He loved his football, he was a Chesterfield fan. He used to go to a lot of games when he was younger, and as soon as the World Cup came on, he’d be at the pub cheering England on.
“He used to take me to Chesterfield games when I was younger, but I wasn’t quite as hooked as my dad!
“I was his little princess, the apple of his eye. He would do anything for me, he would be there whenever I needed him. He was there for me when I had a previous relationship breakdown, he came to my rescue and he made sure that he was there for me and supported me through a rough time in my life.
“He was a lovely man, he really was. He would talk to anyone, he was so friendly. He worked on the taxis so would talk to anyone that got in. He was happy, as a person, and put a good front on to everyone.”
An inquest was held into Mr
Payne’s death at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court on Monday, December 6, concluding that he took his own life.
The hearing was told that he dealt with mental health problems when his children were young. But Charlotte, who now lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said that she did not see any signs that her father was struggling before his death.
She said that if she had noticed anything was wrong she would have done more.
The family are now facing their first Christmas without their dad. Charlotte’s three children – aged 12, six and four – have also been affected by the loss.
She said: “He would see them every so often, but he was amazing with them. He was overjoyed, he absolutely loved being a granddad, spending time with them. “He would get on the floor and play with them. We had loads of good days out with us all. They [her chilTHE dren] loved being with their granddad.
“My youngest two are still too young to try to get to grips with it, but it’s my eldest who has been hit really badly. I have my good days and my bad days, but I keep on going for my children.
“I have felt really lost, lately. He would be one of the people I would turn to, normally.
“He had a great sense of humour, he loved comedies and anything that would make you laugh. He was always a jokey person with you.
“When he was having his good days, he was absolutely amazing. He would take us everywhere.”
At the inquest into his death, it was revealed that Mr Payne spoke to Samaritans for 30 minutes on the day of his death.
Charlotte, 35, believes this means he “was crying out for help”, and is concerned that many others are struggling in silence.
She said: “I would have done more. I would have got in contact with him more, pushed for more contact. That’s my regret.
“There should be more support out there for men [who are struggling] to be able to speak out, and say that they need help.
“It’s important to make men out there feel like they don’t have to be ‘manly,’ if they’re going through what my dad has gone through, then speak out.
“Don’t feel like you have to be ashamed.”
He was happy, as a person, and put a good front on to everyone.
Charlotte Harper
If they’re going through what my dad has gone through, then speak out.
Charlotte Harper