The daughter of a 91-year-old man who committed suicide on the same day as Boris Johnson’s Downing St birthday party says the PM's special treatment has made her “sick to her stomach”.
Patricia Barker, 68, told how her dad, Robert Owens, from Portsmouth, Hants, took his own life on June 19, 2020, because he was struggling with loneliness.
Having been widowed three years earlier, the retired dockyard worker had found friendship thanks to a local walking group.
But this had been taken away because of the lockdown restrictions.
Patricia said that despite being in good shape for his age, Robert could not accept the uncertainty of the pandemic.
He was discovered dead by his 46-year-old grandson, Patricia’s son, at the same time as Carrie Johnson and Downing Street staffers were preparing a birthday surprise for the Prime Minister.
“This was the very day my father took his own life,” she said.
“He was a fit and healthy man who loved the company of others, especially in his group walks.
"The walking group brought him out of himself and he had loads and loads of friends. He was back to enjoying life again.
“When this was taken away from him due to the pandemic, he felt there was very little to carry on for. He was stuck at home, and just went downhill.
“This is what made me so angry; when I looked at the date it brought it all back. Boris Johnson makes me sick to my stomach. He made the rules.
"Obviously it's a case of do as I say, not as I do."
Patricia said her father was a staunch Conservative voter throughout his life, but even he would have been disappointed by the current scandals.
"He was down about what was going on, and not knowing what was happening," she added.
"He ended up being very lonely. If he'd been able to meet with his friends he'd still be here now."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
