Mum-of-four, 31, killed herself after being terrified of losing her kids in divorce battle
A MUM-of-four killed herself after being terrified of losing her kids in a divorce battle.
Kelly Higgins, 31, had told her step-dad “if she couldn’t have the kids her life would not be worth living”.
And she was struggling when her husband’s mum looked after the children after Christmas last year.
She began suffering depression and anxiety after her first child with then-boyfriend William Higgins died, reports.
Relatives found her dead in her home in Bridlington, Yorkshire, in December. She had split up with William after starting another relationship with a woman.
A family member told the Coroner’s Court: “Kelly was a brilliant person and she was all about her kids. We just miss everything about her.
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“She was caring and would care for everybody. She is a huge loss to everyone who knew her.”
Kelly’s step-dad added: “Kelly was a happy-go-lucky person but she and William were heavy drinkers which contributed to the breakdown of the marriage.”
He went round with her mum last Christmas to give the kids their presents and said she was in good spirits but worried about the children being taken away.
Mr Higgins, who had been with Kelly for 13 years, said the marriage deteriorated last year after the affair.
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He moved out to live with his mum and was trying to get custody of the children.
He added that Kelly refused to go get a formal diagnosis for depression despite him urging her to do so.
Kelly’s new partner said people at work disapproved of the relationship while Mr Higgins was trying to get custody of the children.
Kelly wrote in one note: “I’m sorry. I do not see any way out. I am tired of fighting. I can’t cope and it hurts too much.”
She said in a second to her partner: “I am sorry for everything. Thank you for everything, you are amazing and I am not sorry for loving you.
"Please do one more thing and make sure my kids know how much I love them. I’m sorry for letting you down.”
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Area coroner Lorraine Harris concluded Kelly’s death was suicide.
But she will write to East Riding Partnership about whether Kelly should have been classed as vulnerable.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
- Movember,
- Anxiety UK , 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm