This Morning fans were left in tears as the parents of show regular Matthew Lock revealed the heartbreaking impact of his death on Thursday’s instalment of the show.
Matthew, who regularly appeared on the ITV programme to chat about vacuums and mechanics, took his own life aged 19 in Merseyside, Liverpool, on September 8 2023.
Richard and Christine took to the sofa to talk about their beloved son and also wanted to raise awareness about ADHD and suicide.
Introducing the pair, Dermot said: ‘Matthew first appeared on the show back in 2020 and charmed the pants off us with his enthusiasm and love for gadgets, so we often had him review everything from vacuum cleaners to phone cases.’
Alison added: ‘However, just over a year ago, Matthew tragically took his own life.
‘His parents, Richard and Christine, have since been campaigning to raise awareness of ADHD and the increased suicide risk that comes with that.’
This Morning fans in tears as parents of show regular Matthew Lock who took his own life aged 19 reveal heartbreaking impact of his death
Matthew (pictured), who regularly appeared on the ITV programme to chat about vacuums and mechanics, took his own life aged 19 in Merseyside, Liverpool, on September 8 2023.
He was diagnosed with autism at 14 and the signs of ADHD were missed.
Richard recalled: ‘He had gone through school, he was going alright, getting through, he was going to university.
‘Chris came into the bedroom one night and said how is Matthew going to cope, there’s more behind this.’
Matty was eventually diagnosed at 19.
Christine explained that some of his symptoms were lack of focus, disorganisation and different fixations.
‘The autism said, perhaps this is ADHD, but we didn’t realise that the two could co-exist,’ she said.
Richard said: ’80 per cent of people with autism have ADHD as well, it’s a co-occurring thing. The diagnosis that Matthew got, surely they should have looked into it.’
Alison touched upon how Matthew struggled with drug use, to which Richard added: ‘About 50 per cent of people find some form of addiction, whether that be gambling, whether that be drugs, whether that be alcohol, social media, all of those things play into that.
Richard and Christine took to the sofa to talk about their beloved son and also wanted to raise awareness about ADHD and suicide
Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their heartbreak over his death
‘A lot of people come across, struggling in that area, they just don’t know it’s linked to ADHD.’
Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their heartbreak.
One said: ‘#thismorning heartbreaking. What a lovely, warm couple my heart goes out to you both. And sadly the wait list for undiagnosed people is around 7 years long.’
‘I’m actually sobbing….#thismorning.’
‘As a man with an autistic son. That was so sad…..Matty seemed so nice. His obsession with vacuums was what kept him going….’
‘I thoroughly enjoyed Matthew’s contribution to the show. So brave of his parents to talk about this today. Love and prayers to you both. ‘
‘Poor young man , these parents are still struggling you can hear it in their voices. Rest in peace Matthew and sending them much love. Brave to come on and discuss this important issue.’
‘Understandibly his dad still sounds distraught. My worst nightmare as a parent. RIP Matthew Lock. You never know whats going on behind a smile #ThisMorning.’
For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
