A newsreader fought back tears on live television as he revealed his late son’s ‘dying wish’ during an emotional appearance on BBC Breakfast.
Mike McCarthy, best known for his work as a presenter on BBC Look North before becoming Sky News‘ Manchester bureau chief, joined hosts Rachel Burden and Roger Johnson to speak about suicide prevention in memory of his son Ross, who died at the age of 31.
Ross left a farewell letter asking his family to campaign for ‘better support’ – a request his father has carried out with tireless dedication.
Holding the Baton of Hope, part of the UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative, Mike explained: ‘The item represented a journey of hope – of moving bravely away from the darkness of despair and with encouragement and support.’
The baton is travelling to 20 locations across the country before reaching London on October 10, with BBC Breakfast following its journey.
Supporting the initiative, Mike said he has met some ‘incredible people’ through the campaign and continues to help others who have lost loved ones to suicide.
Newsreader Mike McCarthy (pictured) fought back tears on live television as he revealed his late son’s ‘dying wish’ during an emotional appearance on BBC Breakfast on Sunday
Mike joined hosts Rachel Burden and Roger Johnson to speak about suicide prevention in memory of his son Ross, who died at the age of 31
He said: ‘I say to people whom I have met, who have lost people to suicide, “I wish I had never met you, but I am glad that we did”.
‘Because in another world we wouldn’t have met, and I’d go back to that world in the blink of an eye, but I’ve met some incredible people.’
Becoming visibly emotional as he spoke about his son’s final letter, Mike also described the ‘rewarding’ feeling of creating change through his work.
He explained: ‘We’ve introduced what we’d call a workplace pledge, in which we provide suicide prevention in the workplace for companies large and small.
‘That has really taken off and it’s rewarding to see that the letter that Ross left for me, that there was something that I could do to answer what was effectively his dying wish.’
Alongside his campaigning, Mike also co-founded 3 Dads Walking with two other bereaved fathers whose children took their own lives.
Together, they have raised awareness ‘one step at a time’ and are set to reunite to complete a lap with the Baton of Hope.
Reflecting on their efforts, Mike said: ‘I mean, the 3 Dads, again, advanced the cause so effectively.
Ross (pictured) left a farewell letter asking his family to campaign for ‘better support’ – a request his father has carried out with tireless dedication
Alongside his campaigning, Mike (pictured with his family) also co-founded 3 Dads Walking with two other bereaved fathers whose children took their own lives
‘Doing something practical was a Baton of Hope, and we wanted to do something practical. Awareness is as good as the practical change that follows.’
Presenters Roger and Rachel thanked Mike for coming on to the programme to discuss a cause that is incredibly personal and close to his heart, and the cameras cut away from Mike as he became tearful.
Viewers praised the ‘great piece’ for raising awareness of men’s mental health and encouraging others to speak out.
It follows BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty fighting back tears in an emotional interview as she spoke to a grieving mother whose son took his own life.
The morning news host was visibly upset as Ellen Roome described the heartbreaking story of her son Jools Sweeney, who was discovered dead in his bedroom in April 2022.
Naga was overwhelmed with emotion, her voice breaking, as she offered words of comfort to the grieving mother before her co-star Charlie Stayt stepped in.
Becoming visibly emotional as he spoke about his son’s final letter, Mike also described the ‘rewarding’ feeling of creating change through his work
Presenters Roger and Rachel (pictured) thanked Mike for coming on to the programme to discuss a cause that is incredibly personal and close to his heart
Charlie swooped in and began discussing legislation around the grieving mother’s case, giving time for her and Naga to regain their composure.
The sympathetic presenter suggested the two ‘have a sip of water’ as he spoke to viewers.
Naga was visibly moved by her interaction with Ellen and tried to find the right words, asking her how she was coping.
The emotional mother said: ‘It’s hard, it’s hard you know, I’ve lost my son.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
