Paul Derbyshire’s body was found on the banks of the River Mersey last month
Paul Derbyshire’s body was found on the banks of the River Mersey last month
The daughter of an Everton fan who would “do anything for anyone” said she is still waiting for answers about how her dad died. Paul Derbyshire was found by a passer-by on the banks of the River Mersey and a post mortem examination on his body is yet to take place.
His daughter, Kirsty Derbyshire told the ECHO days after the heartbreaking discovery how questions still remain around how her dad ended up in the river. Paul, also known to friends as Darbo, was found on Christmas Eve and it is no known how long the 69-year-old had been in the water.
Paying tribute to her dad, the 24-year-old said: “He was incredibly silly. He was so daft and he would do anything for anyone. He would just put a smile on your face. He used to do an impression of Mr Bean and I remember laughing my head off at it. He was one of the most caring people I have ever known.”
Speaking to the ECHO today, January 6, Kirsty explained it still “doesn’t feel real” as she waits for answers. She said: “I’m still waiting for answers as to what happened. They’re doing his post mortem soon but it takes between four and ten days and I have to wait for that to happen for me to arrange his funeral.
“It still hasn’t sunk in what happened. I have been going to his house sorting his things and it feels like he’s just going to pop through the door at any minute. I keep thinking they’ve got it wrong with the identification process.”
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: [email protected]
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: [email protected]
- The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: [email protected]
- James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
Paul lived in Widnes his entire life and was “born a blue and died a blue”, with him regularly watching his team at Goodison Park or in the pub with his friends. The dad had battled depression for more than a decade, and Kirsty is keen to signpost charities who help people with poor mental health.
She previously told the ECHO how her world came crashing down when police knocked at her St Helens home to tell her of her dad’s death. Kirsty said: “I feel like my world stood still, like nothing can compare to that.
“Obviously it’s supposed to be your parents that die before you but like that when they die like that, it’s horrible to think about. I’m 24, I shouldn’t have lost my dad at this age. He will never see me have kids or see me get married.”
Kirsty, who is a shift supervisor at Toby Carvery, set up a GoFundMe page to help with the funeral costs and has since had a flood of messages paying tribute to her dad. She said: “It’s so much of a shock how much people have donated, I genuinely can’t get my head round it.
“I’ve had so many people reach out an message me saying they worked with him or chatted about football with him whenever they saw him. I’ve has so many messages.” To read more or donate, click here.
