THE heartbreaking loss that comes with losing a 15-year-old son to suicide has been turned into a powerful tribute as his father channelled his grief into creating a memorial album, raising over £6,000 for suicide prevention and anti-bullying charities.
Richy Hetherington released the compilation album Songs For T just over a year after his son, Thomas, took his own life in 2022. Following a breakdown in friendships, Thomas was tragically found by a family member at his grandparents' farm in Blackford, near Carlisle.
Richy has personally thanked everyone involved in the album which features contributions from artists such as Jeffrey Lewis, Sign Crushes Motorist, Pencil Legs, as well as his family Gill and Hope.
Its lo-fi sounds and lyrics pull at feelings of isolation and the challenges of life. The album also includes a very personal poem from Richy himself.
Proceeds from the album are being split between Papyrus, a suicide prevention charity, and Kidscape, which focuses on preventing bullying.
Richy is ‘proud’ that the album has made an impact on others going through similar emotional struggles, with some listeners saying it helped them during tough times.
However, he recognises that there is a ‘larger societal issue’ at play.
“There’s been a few people who were clearly teenage, vulnerable and found situations challenging and have said they really appreciated the album and it meant a lot to them.
“In that respect, I’m very proud of it, but despite all the campaigns about men's mental health, slogans and suicide prevention, I don’t see real change in society. The rates aren’t going down."
The album cover also holds a special significance as it features Thomas’, affectionately known as ‘Tots’, on one of the recordings as well as his drawings on the album artwork.
Richy’s journey with Songs For T was partly inspired by the 3 Dads Walking, who have been campaigning for suicide awareness in schools following the loss of their three daughters.
“You have to talk about the reasons why people feel this bad in the first place,” Richy said.
“It’s how other people behave towards them that’s made this happen.
"It’s supporting people to give them the strength to deal with those situations, but also, what do we do to manifest society better where people don’t end up in a situation of loneliness and hopelessness.”
Pushing for proactive discussion before it gets ‘too late’, Richy said: “I would most strongly advocate that any person that feels low, ask them if they feel suicidal, make them say it – because we never did that with Thomas, we just never considered it as something to worry about.
“It puts people in a situation where they have to confront it,” Richy said.
Vicki Dutton, fundraising manager at Papyrus, said: “It was so lovely to meet Richy and be able to thank him personally for his support. We’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped in the production of the record and to everyone who has bought it.
“The money Richy has raised will help us to continue giving hope to children and young people who are struggling with life.”
Songs for T is still available for digital and vinyl purchase on Bandcamp with all proceeds still going to both charities.
To purchase, you can visit https://katpistapes.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-t
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact the Papyrus Hopeline247 on 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
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