Brave mum speaks out on fifth anniversary of son’s death

Julie Ingleby (49) has spoken out as friends and family of her son Lee prepare to gather on the fifth anniversary of his death.

Lee, described as “happy go lucky”, was just 21 when he committed suicide at his mum’s former pub The Fox Inn, in Ousby, Penrith.

Now, a race night will be held in the former Colne Park High School student’s memory at Colne Cricket Club on Friday, April 24th.

Trawden-born Julie, who is organising the event with her 24-year-old daughter Jodie, said: “I lived in France for six years, and Lee left school at 16 to join the navy. He did two years’ training and he ended up with quinzy in his throat. He came out to France on sickness leave, and he was signed off.

“He came to live with us for a bit and then moved to England to take up an apprenticeship. He lived with some of his friends in Trawden, and I came back from France and bought a pub.

“Lee had come up with his girlfriend and some friends from Colne, and he was having a drink with us all. I was tired so I decided to go to bed, as I had Sunday lunches to do the next day. We lived above the pub.

“It was about five in the morning and I heard a lot of screaming, and Jodie came running in saying ‘Lee is unconscious in the bathroom’. He had gone to bed and [later] said he felt sick and had gone to the toilet. His friends knocked the door down and found him.

“When they took him away there was a faint heartbeat, but it was too late, and he died on April 25th.

“He was happy go lucky and always had a big smile on his face. I went to see a psychiatrist after, and he dealt with people who had been in the army and navy, and it could have been something to do with what happened on the ship - he could have had a nightmare, but we just don’t know. There was no note.”

Lee was born and lived in Trawden and was a keen footballer, playing for Trawden Celtic Juniors FC and Burnley FC youth team. Two years later he began working as an apprentice for Pilkington Bros, in Accrington. He was also a music fan and would attend festivals with a large group of friends.

Money raised at the race night will be donated to PAPYRUS, a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, and a donation will also be made to Trawden Celtic Juniors FC, which Julie helped found.

Julie, who now lives in Carlisle, added: “I can’t remember anything from five years ago, it was such a shock, so we’ve decided to get people together to remember Lee and raise money for PAPYRUS. There are going to be eight races and there are 64 horses. We want it to be a fun night.”

Tickets are priced at £4. To book or make a donation ring Julie on 07788 194537 or email [email protected].

One of Lee’s best friends, Jack Moore, is also helping to sell tickets.

Julie has also urged anybody suffering suicidal thoughts to seek help, and for more people to become aware of PAPYRUS’ work - including training sessions they offer.

For more information on PAPYRUS visit www.papyrus-uk.org or to contact them on their HOPELine UK contact 0800 068 41 41.