A family have vowed to improve mental health services after their ‘Tommy Boy’ tragically died.

Tommy Thwaites, from Maidstone, took his own life on Saturday, November 16 after battling his demons for four years.

The 25-year-old had dreamed of working on a cruise ship but after he was stabbed in a nightclub in 2015 his mental health began to deteriorate.

The former Valley Park pupil had been prescribed medication, but his family also wanted him to have counselling and more help.

His mum, Claire Fry, said her son had changed after he was stabbed during an attack at Dusk2Dawn nightclub in Maidstone.

She also said he should have had more help and vowed to set up a charity in his memory to help people with mental health issues.

Miss Fry said: “The old Tommy was very happy-go-lucky and the Tommy that suffered with that illness was in a dark place.

"He was a colourful lad ever since he was a baby and he was my little sidekick. He was not on his own.

“He knew everybody and everyone loved him. He had such a beautiful soul. He was stunning.

“I am talking, I am keeping it together now but I have been in tears.

“I have got a support network around me that will help me when I am stronger set up the charity.

“I will have my own office where people can just walk in, sit down and have a chat for us to help them."

With the dream of being an entertainer, Tommy had visited Ibiza last year and had booked to go back in 2020, a holiday he will never see.

An online fundraising campaign has been set up , to help towards the cost of his funeral, entitled Tommy’s Colourful Farewell, it is hoping to raise £4,000.

A message on the page reads: "As you all know our beloved Tommy lost his fight with his demons on Saturday, November 16.

"As you can all imagine his friends and family are heartbroken by this news, and I’m sure you can all appreciate we would love to give him the most colourful and brightest send off possible.

"We would love any contributions, every penny counts and will be greatly appreciated. Even if 100 people donated £1 that’s £100 taken off of his family’s shoulders.

"So to all Tommy’s family and friends and to anyone’s heart he touched we would be so thankful for the smallest donations.

"From the family we thank you all in advance for your kind words and donations they have not gone unnoticed."

The family will also be holding a lantern release at Barming Heath Field at 6pm on Saturday, November 30. Everyone is welcome.

Chief Executive, Helen Greatorex of Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, said: “We are truly saddened to hear of the tragic death of Mr Thwaites. Our sincerest condolences are with Mr Thwaites’ family and all those who loved him.

"In instances where someone who has died has been known to our services, we work closely with Her Majesty’s Coroner as well as the person’s family to ensure that all the questions that people have are answered.”

If you would like to donate click here.

For confidential support on an emotional issue call Samaritans on 116123 at any time.

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