Teenager asked his mother for help to take his own life
THE heartbroken mum of a teenager with a debilitating disease told his inquest he wrote a letter to her begging for help to take his own life.
Thomas Swales, known as Tommy, had been diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, a recessive condition that damages the nervous system.
It was said the 19-year-old knew the disease would have an increasing impact, limiting his lifestyle, and took his own life.
Tommy’s mum Michelle, from Edgeley, Stockport, told South Manchester Coroners’ Court that two weeks before his death her son had written her a note.
She said: “He wanted me to come up with a way to end his life, but not to mention it to anyone. It was a predicament. Because he opened up to me he knew I was on to him. He was clever, he started to see his friends more, he threw me off the scent.
“He was hoping, in hindsight, I would help him. He was looking at Dignitas or something like that.”
The court heard that following the diagnosis, in June 2013, Tommy’s posture, balance and ability to walk were affected. A 13-hour operation in 2015 did initially help him, but in 2016 some of his symptoms returned, affecting Tommy’s mood and making him withdrawn and depressed.
He had also been diagnosed with ADHD as a youngster and kyphoscoliosis, which causes curvature of the spine, in 2013.
Tommy hanged himself in his bedroom on January 29 while his family were at a park. It was the first time he had been alone in the house for 18 months. He also leaves behind dad David, 64, sisters Amanda, 33, and Eleanor, 22, as well as brother James, 25.
Throughout his ordeal Mrs Swales, 55, said Tommy had refused professional help to deal with the mental impact of his diagnosis.
Mrs Swales paid tribute to her son, saying he was unique and the ‘king of banter.’ Speaking after the inquest she thanked police, paramedics, her family and friends for their compassion and help.
Mrs Swales said: “We are incredibly lucky to have 19 wonderful years crammed full of happy memories filled with lots of love and laughter.
“Tommy tackled life with a quiet dignity and amazing strength and courage.
“We take comfort from all of this alongside the knowledge that Tommy is where he wanted to be. We are incredibly proud of him and always will be.
“Tommy was different in the fact he didn’t want help, he knew what he wanted to do.
“People couldn’t understand his predicament.”
In recording a conclusion of suicide, coroner Chris Morris said the teen ‘was very much loved’ adding: “His family remained as supportive as ever, but Tommy became increasingly aware of what life would have in store for him.”