A 16-year-old boy has taken his life after being on lockdown for months. The boy’s family, who live in the UK, is speaking out about the tragic loss, in the hopes of helping other parents or children who might be in the same situation.
The boy, Corey, took his life on October 24 and was described as “funny and kind” with a “cracking sense of humor” by his parents, Kerry and Adam Liversedge.
Kerry shared that her son was very athletic and spent a lot of time swimming and hiking. Being stuck inside during lockdown negatively impacted his daily life. His parents feel that if it wasn’t for the lockdown, their young boy would still be here today.
“If he only had a little inkling of what people thought of him, I think he’d be here today. And if it was not for Covid-19, he would definitely be here with us today,” his mom said. “He spent a lot of his time not doing as much activity as he normally did, and I think the time away from his friends was one of the hardest bits.”
In support of their son, Kerry and Adam launched a fundraising effort to raise money for an environmental charity that was important to Corey, as well as Men Matter Scotland which helps men deal with mental health struggles. The family spoke of the “outpouring of love” they’ve received from friends and neighbors.
“The house if full of cards and flowers, and every single little bit has helped,” said Kerry. “People have shown us how much they loved him.”
“I only wish Corey had known,” she continued. “I just don’t think he realized about how many people loved him.”
His parents both spoke of the impact Covid-19 had on their son.
“Everyone dealt with Covid-19 in different way,” his dad said. “I can say with 100% certainty that we would still have our son today if it had not been for lockdown. We just didn’t see it coming at all. Corey didn’t get the chance to live the life he should have lived.”
Kerry encourages other parents to “be careful with your precious children.”
“The teenage years are really tough. Kids are prickly and one second they love you and the next they can push you away,” she continued. “But tell them you love them every night, and tell them that you’re proud of them and keep those lines of communication open.”
