Leeds son who went into 'self destruct' after dad's sudden death at work is raising awareness of mental health

Adam Hamblett, 27, said he went into "self destruct" and abused drink and drugs after his self-employed builder dad Robert, 48, of Gildersome, fell to his death while working at a house in Horsforth in August 2014.

Adam, of Cross Gates, said he suffered mental health problems for three years and twice attempted to take his own life before seeking help and being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

Adam - who said hiking and running have helped him get well - is getting his mental health message across in a series of videos he has filmed of his wild camping trips in the Yorkshire countryside for his YouTube channel 'Adam int wild.'

The quirky videos have a serious message when Adam speaks about his battles with depression and urges others who may be suffering to seek help.

Adam, who worked with his dad, told in one of the videos how he was not with him on the day he died.

He said: "He was my best mate, he was my idol - he was everything to me. I wasn't working that day, my life turned upside down."

Adam said he started abusing alcohol and drugs immediately after his dad's death.

Shortly after his dad's funeral, Adam travelled to Australia to stay with his sister and said he ended up travelling alone across Australia for almost three years.

He said: "I was telling everyone I was alright, but I was on a self destruct mission."

Adam said he then travelled to New Zealand in October 2017 and finally admitted to that he needed help when he opened up about his problems in a phone call to his mum.

Adam said he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in November 2017.

Adam now works as a debt adviser sand is engaged to fiancee Stephanie Hayes.

The couple have a six month old daughter called Myla.

Adam said: "It is my aim to help people who have been in that dark place where I have been.

"I want to tell people that it is OK not to be OK.

"I'm urging people to speak out if they have a mental health problem, to admit they are not alright and get help and talk about it."

The Yorkshire Evening Post first launched its own mental health campaign called #SpeakYourMind in 2016.

It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and combat the stigma that sometimes still surrounds them.

Robert Hamblett was a former amateur footballer who played in goal for the Leeds Medics and Dentists Football Club for around 20 years from the mid 1980s.

The club created the Rob Hamblett Memorial Trophy, which is presented to the player whose personality inspires success on and off the pitch.

A jury inquest into Robert Hamblett's death was held at Wakefield Coroner's Court in January 2016.

The court heard Mr Hamblett and a work colleague were carrying out preparatory building work at a house in Horsforth before windows were installed.

Mr Hamblett fell while climbing down aluminium step ladders, which had been placed on a concrete plinth above the first floor bay window.

He suffered multiple fatal injuries, including a fractured skull and broken ribs.

He was pronounced dead at the scene just before 3pm on August 9, 2014.

The jury concluded grandfather-of-three Mr Hamblett’s death was accidental.

- For help and advice on mental health issues, go to www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk

Other important websites and numbers:

West Yorkshire mental health 24/7 support line, provides confidential advice - 0800 183 0558

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service, for anyone aged 17 or over: www.leedsmentalwellbeingservice.co.uk

For children and young people: www.mindmate.org.uk

For those struggling with alcohol and drug use: www.forwardleeds.co.uk

For people in crisis:

Connect, open 6pm-2am on 0808 8001212 or online chat at www.lslcs.or.yk

For people in crisis: Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s 24/7 single point of access on 0300 300 1487

For people in crisis: A team of peer-support workers in partnership with Touchstone - 0113 8556191 or visit it www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/srvices-list/criss