Family’s heartbreak as mum takes own life after finding lump on her breast

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Michelle Cooke, 37, reportedly spiralled when she found a lump on her breast on Wednesday, July 27. Her family say that she was “panicking and fearing the worst”. 

The mum-of-two, from Crosby, had battled with her mental health from the age of 16, when she tried to take her own life. Since that time, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and often turned to alcohol when she began to struggle.

The mum to Jaimee and Tyler, spiralled after discovering a lump on her breast, ringing the doctors to try and make an appointment. However, Michelle took her life the next morning after a day and night of drinking, her mum told the Liverpool Echo.

Janet Filipe, 67, said: “She had everything going for her but she had this lump on her breast on her mind. I remember she went to Turkey when she was pregnant and she said it was the last holiday before she had children with her and since her death, we’ve had people she met 12 years ago there ringing up about her.

“That’s the type of person she was, a beautiful, caring person. She would spend so much time helping people. She helped the homeless and cooked meals for them. That was her and that was my daughter.”

Michelle’s mum has now also called for more support for people who are suffering from poor mental health. She has said that there weren’t enough services to help her daughter.

She said: “There’s not enough help for people like Michelle. There needs to be more support for people suffering from mental health problems.”

Michelle’s family are now raising money for her funeral.

To read more and donate, click here.

Helplines and support groups

The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to. The majority are 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 HOPE 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/

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