HEARTFELT tributes have flooded in for a Barnsley teenager who was ‘loved by everyone’ after he died on his first-ever holiday abroad.
Thomas Murphy, 18, from Cudworth, was a larger than life character and a ‘real family man’ according to those who knew him.
Earlier this month he went on his first ever holiday abroad with his girlfriend of two years, Annie Lowe, to Benidorm.
Thomas’ mum, 59-year-old Joanne, told the Chronicle he was looking forward to the trip and excited to return home on Monday to see his family and friends.
But she was told the heartbreaking news that Thomas had apparently taken his own life and had died at 11.30pm the night before - much to the devastation of the entire family.
Joanne said: “My son went on his first ever holiday aboard with his girlfriend and he was due to come back on Monday - but he died on Sunday night.
“There were no signs that anything like this was going to happen.
“Absolutely everybody loved him.
“His former headmaster at Birkwood Primary School came to our house because of how popular he was.
“He was such an amazing and caring person - he really did love his life.
“I just can’t believe that he’s gone.”
As Thomas died whilst abroad, his family are now going through the motions so he can be laid to rest in his beloved Barnsley.
But the costs are incredibly high and a fundraiser has subsequently been set up to try and support the family through the most difficult time of their lives.
Thomas’ sister-in-law, Abbey Richards, told the Chronicle: “He was definitely a cheeky chappy.
“He was a little terror when he was younger and he was so loved.
“We just want to try and get him home.
“Getting him back home with his family is the main thing on our minds at the minute.
“We’ve not got much money as a family so we set up the fundraiser to try and help cover the costs.
“It’s heartbreaking that this has happened - it was his first time going abroad.
“It was devastating when we got the news that we lost our beloved Tom to suicide.
“It’s the first time he’s left his mum - she wrapped him in cotton wool.”
Almost £4,000 has already been raised through the fundraiser - and Abbey admits it’s been an incredibly overwhelming experience.
She added: “It just shows how popular he is.
“If the insurance doesn’t cover the cost of him coming back home it looks like it’s going to cost around £4,000.
“And then there’s the cost of the funeral.
“It’s just so overwhelming seeing the support, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.”
Thomas leaves behind his mum Joanne, step dad Tony, brother Graham, sister Emily, two nieces and four nephews as well as other family and friends.
Thomas, a life-long Barnsley FC supporter, will be remembered at tomorrow’s League One match against Northampton Town at Oakwell.
A minute’s applause will take place in the 18th minute, with all Reds fans being encouraged to take part.
Abbey added: “He was a massive Barnsley supporter.
“He was watching the game at the weekend on his phone whilst on holiday.
“He’d only just bought his season ticket for this season.”
A spokesperson for the club added: “Everyone at Barnsley FC would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to Thomas’ family and friends.
“As Thomas was a massive Barnsley FC supporter, we are encouraging fans to take part in a minute’s applause in the 18th minute at Oakwell on Saturday in his memory.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thomas-murphy?lang=en—GB&utm—campaign=fp—sharesheet&utm—medium=customer&utm—source=facebook
Places where you can get mental health support in 2024.
Mat’s Charity: A Barnsley charity which offers a listening ear for anyone suffering with their mental health located on 4 Station Road, Wombwell
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org
Platform 1 Men’s Community Group visit the website or call 01484 421143.
Andy’s Man Club: info@andysmanclub.co.uk
PAPYRUS phone 0800 068 4141
MIND, a charity offering support and advice for people with mental health problems
Project 14 a local charity which offers support for people with mental health issues email tom@project-14.co.uk
Liam Jones Legacy a mental health support group in Barnsley. Email liamslegacy01@gmail.com.
