How Marcus’s tragedy can help others
FAMILY OF TALENTED STUDENT HOPE TO REACH OUT
HE was the popular medical student with a passion for music and rugby who tragically took his own life at the age of just 20.
Now, devastated family and friends of Newcastle University student Marcus Colville hope his story can help other young people believed to be at risk of suicide.
Third-year medical student Marcus was found dead by flatmates at their home in Jesmond, Newcastle, on December 13 last year. At his inquest, assistant coroner Paul Dunn ruled his death a suicide.
The hearing at Newcastle Civic Centre heard the keen rugby player and pianist had broken up with his girlfriend and was having financial difficulties in the months before his death. Mr Dunn said: “Having considered the two statements I have heard and seen the contents of the note that was left, I’m satisfied it was Marcus Colville’s intention to take his own life.” At the time of Marcus’s death, Heaton-based Medicals Rugby Football Club paid tribute to the aspiring doctor and labelled his passing an “indescribable tragedy”. The club’s statement read: “It is at times like these that we must count ourselves grateful to be part of a group of friends with such a special bond, and we must come together to honour Marcus’s memory.
“He was a great medical and a great friend. He will be missed.”
Marcus’s friends and family based in his home city of Exeter, in Devon, have since launched a JustGiving page titled ‘Marcus in Mind’ to fundraise to support research in his memory to help young people at risk of suicide. To date, more than £13,000 in donations has been raised, with groups running the Exeter Half Marathon and due to take part in the Hackney Half in May on behalf of the page.
Marcus’s dad Alaric said his son did not engage with support services, and “hid his distress from those who knew and loved him”.
He added: “We have started a fund, ‘Marcus in Mind,’ which aims to fund research to help identify and reach those in need but not currently seeking help from the excellent counselling and support services available.”
Sally Ingram, director of student health and wellbeing at Newcastle University, said: “We were all incredibly saddened when we lost Marcus, we knew him as a talented sportsman, musician and a wellrespected doctor in the making who was progressing well with his studies. Our wellbeing team provides counselling and mental health support for any student struggling to cope and we also provide a confidential service for anyone concerned about the wellbeing of a fellow student.”
Shirley Smith launched If U Care Share Foundation, based in Chester-le-Street, after her 19-year-old son Daniel O’Hare took his own life. The charity’s three main aims are prevention, intervention and support of those bereaved by suicide.
Guidance given by the foundation advises concerned family and friends to look out for potential behaviour changes such as aggression, fatigue, impulsivity, or withdrawal. Shirley said: “One of the things families affected by suicide automatically say is what were the warning signs and what did they miss. For some families, there are none. The message for anybody who has thoughts and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it’s so important to get the appropriate help and for me, that starts with a conversation with someone you trust.”
■ To find out more and donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marcusinmind.