A GRIEVING daughter whose father took his own life has appealed for others who feel there is no way out of their money worries not to suffer in silence.

Amelia McDonald lost her father Mike in early May after, it is believed, he decided to end his life over difficulties with his finances.

However, Amelia, of Castalian Mews, Shaw, and the rest of his family are still reeling from the shock of his completely unexpected actions.

Amelia, 31, wanted to speak out about her experience after reading of the role debt had played in the tragic circumstances of Aaron Vickers’ death reported in the Advertiser on Wednesday.

Hairdresser Aaron, 25, of Pulsar Road, Oakhurst, took his own life in December last year.

Amelia said: “So many people bottle things up, especially financial issues at the moment.

“They don’t talk to anyone, get themselves very stressed, depressed and then they think the world would be better off without them.

“That’s so not true.

“No-one should have to die alone and afraid.”

Mike, 63, from Gloucestershire, was self-employed in the livestock industry.

Mature student Amelia said her father had never let on there was any financial problem ,even to his wife.

“Dad was a very proud man so he kept everything private, he didn’t want to worry other people, that was his downfall,” she said.

“He was a very traditional man – he goes out and does the work and the woman stays at home.”

The note he left indicated that the father-of-two had made his decision based on money troubles, but the family are yet to find out the extent of the debt from solicitors.

However, Amelia said whatever amount it was, whether £5,000 or £50,000, would not change how she feels about what happened.

“If it’s an accident you can deal with it, but the way he died is a bit hard to deal with,” she said.

“You always think what did I miss, could I have stopped it happening?

“You have always got your ‘what ifs’ and everyone feels guilty but, of course, it’s not going to change anything.

“I feel very sad for him that he had to deal with it himself, he came up with a decision on how he was going to deal with it.”

Amelia pointed out that often many people think by taking their own lives their debt is cancelled out, but in many cases the debt can be transferred to the family, adding to their troubles.

She said: “They’re the ones that have to pick their lives up and deal with it, their lives will never be the same again.

“I know people that have huge amounts of debt, but they just work it out – taking your life is a too drastic step.

“I’d give my last penny and everyone in my family would – if he’d said something we could have pulled together.

“Don’t suffer in silence and just don’t be too proud to speak aloud.”

Amelia said she would like to pass on her best wishes to Aaron’s family.

Samaritans offer confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

You can ring the Samaritans on 01793 537373 or visit www.samaritans.org or call the central number 08457 90 90 90.