'My beloved son was let down by mental health services - now I want others to know they are not alone'
02.01.2024 - 11:21
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A mum whose son died after battling mental health problems has paid moving tribute to her 'precious boy' and reminded others 'you are never alone'.
Bren McFarlane, from Bacup, was just 20 when he died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on October 29. Since his tragic death, mum Gail Rawlinson has been determined to improve mental health services across the region.
In a moving tribute to Bren witten on Christmas Day, she shared a picture of a festive centerpiece he had once made her alongside a poignant caption, reports LancsLive.
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She wrote: "There are some that bring great light to this world, that even after they have gone, their wonderful light remains. This is our beautiful centrepiece that you made for me a few years ago. I will light it and keep it burning all day in honour of you my dear son. You are immensely missed my precious boy."
Bren was found unresponsive in his room at a secure mental health unit The Harbour. He had suffered an unsurvivable brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen.
The events leading up to Bren's death were highlighted during an inquest earlier this year. A jury concluded that he had been neglected by staff at The Harbour who failed to observe him constantly as they should have done.
CCTV footage played during the inquest showed staff doing each other's hair, vaping and playing on their phones while, just feet away and visible through the observation window, Bren took steps to take his own life. Gail broke down in tears as she watched the footage for the first time.
Since Bren's death Gail has been determined to improve mental health services across Lancashire. She has enlisted the support of Rossendale