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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Kelly-Ann Mills

'Amazing, big-hearted' dad of three dies in his mum's arms aged just 41

A man described as the the "most amazing, big-hearted man you could ever meet" has died in the arms of his mum, aged just 41.

David Burns, known as 'Bunna', died with his family around him, after his sister, Jowdii Elyse Leaa, said he suffered from 'his own demons' and had experienced a number of traumatic events in his life, including the death of his brother.

Writing on a fundraising page set up to give him 'the send-off he deserves', Jowdii, 29, said: "Bunna was one of a kind.

"He had time for anyone, he had eyes to see the good in people, even if they were no good for him, or if they treated him badly. He had a heart big enough to love everyone.

"To anyone who knew Bunna, he seemed the happiest man alive. But the truth was inside he was dying, struggling from mental health from an early age due to so many traumatic events.

David Burns died with his family around him (BPM MEDIA)

"The only way he could cover up his pain was to party, drink and socialise, which became frequent. Before we knew it, it had taken hold of him and he became reliant and knew no other way of coping in life.

"Four years we tried, so hard, to get him some help for mental health.

"Everyone refused because they wouldn't assess someone under the influence of alcohol.

"Yet the reason people end up on these tragic paths is because of their mental health. They are the ones that need the help the most."

Jowdii says his illness caused his organs to shut down 'one after the other' and he died at home where he was receiving palliative care.

She says a post-mortem examination is due to take place.

He left behind three children - two sons aged 20 and 9 and a 20-year-old daughter.

The family has launched a fundraising page to help pay for his funeral.

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