'He was my invincible, super loving dad but the help he needed came three days too late'

The family of a 'super loving' dad have paid an emotional tribute to him after his sudden death.

Thomas Madden, affectionately known as Tommy, was sadly found dead after his family say he took his own life on Tuesday, September 17. His daughters Lily, aged 23, and Layla, aged 19, have offered heartwarming words about their father, hailing him as "incredible, kind and funny". Tommy, 49, had a history of mental health issues, which had escalated recently, his family said.

Lily paid tribute to her father, saying: "Dad was always super loving and caring. He was the life and soul of the party and he loved being the centre of attention. I am exactly the same.

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"If you see any of these qualities in me, I probably learned them from him. He looked big and strong, but he was a big softy, he had two girls and girl dogs."

Tommy was passionate about sports and took part in bodybuilding, competing in Ironman triathlons and marathons. Lily said that her own enthusiasm for fitness came from her dad, whom she joined during her training for her inaugural bodybuilding competition last year, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Touching upon her father's determination, Lily remarked: "Whatever he set his mind to, he just did it." She added her dad's love of competitive sports showed his resilience and this was testimony to how serious mental health illnesses are.

Lily shared on social media her feelings about her father, writing: "He was invincible, my protector, I never felt unsafe or threatened, he would tell me to 'send them to dad'. My dad was incredibly strong-willed, superman some might have called him.

"He completed iron men, marathons, you gave him a challenge and he would set his mind to it and do it. I guess all these things really show the seriousness of mental health illnesses. He was so strong, and he tried so hard, and the demons in his own head still got the better of him."

Lily said her dad was under the home treatment team, which are crisis teams who can support patients if they have a mental health crisis outside hospital, according to charity Mind. She claimed her dad had been deemed a "risk to himself" by mental health services before he died.

According to Lily, the crisis team had told Tommy, who was from Kirkby, Merseyside, and the family he would have a bed in an inpatient unit within 24 hours. However, she claimed the team told Tommy this for three days. She said: "Three days too late in the end."

A representative for Mersey Care NHS Trust said: "We are aware of the tragic death of a service user with our mental health services and our thoughts go out to their friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time. We are unable to comment further because of rules governing patient confidentiality but we are co-operating fully with investigations from other agencies."

Lily and her sister Layla said they wanted to share theirs and their dad's story to raise awareness of mental health. They also believe the mental health system needs to change. She said: "People who want to take their own life don't want to speak to someone on the phone, they want to be taken away for help. We want to save as many people as we can by sharing our story.

"Please ask each other if you're OK, please take mental health seriously and believe people when they tell you they're struggling.

"And if you are struggling, please know that my phone is always on loud, my texts, DMs are always open, please speak to people and know that you're not alone."

In a touching tribute, Lily extended a special thank you to her best friend Sophie Allen, a paramedic who took on the harrowing task of identifying their father after his passing, sparing the sisters from the ordeal.

Lily shared: "She did not want to put us through the pain of having to do that. However, she still had a relationship with our dad and I know this has traumatised her. I wanted to say thank you."

To honour their father Tommy's memory, Lily and Layla are fundraising for the Mental Health Foundation. For those wishing to support the cause, donations can be made by clicking here.

Helplines and websites

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/