Kirk Norcross breaks down confessing he still has flashbacks of finding dad Mick's body
Kirk Norcross has given his first TV interview since his father tragically took his own life last year.
Mick Norcross was found dead in January last year aged 57, with an inquest ruling his death was a suicide.
Sitting down with the Loose Women panellists, Kirk said he has suffered from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after his dad's death, experiencing flashbacks of the moment he found his father.
With the anniversary of his death tomorrow, Kirk said it has been “the quickest year and the slowest year ever”.
He said he still doesn’t think he has come to terms with his dad’s death, noting that lockdown “really affected” his diabetic dad, who was forced to shield from the coronavirus.
Kirk said: “I can't stress to people - you've got to tell people how you feel. He was old school.
“I live next to my father. I was with him the night before and he was fine. He gave me his next business strategy.
“Then the next afternoon he killed himself. I was indoors having my lunch and I got a call from my dad's partner saying she couldn't find him.
“I don't know why but I knew what had happened.”
Kirk struggled through tears as he described smashing the door of his father’s house and giving him CPR inside.
Kirk said: “It was surreal. It was like my life ended.”
Kirk has described his dad Mick - who had four children - as his “best friend” and hero and has urged others to speak out if they need support.
Kirk says he is now determined to ensure others don’t suffer in silence like his dad tragically did.
The Towie star shared a heartbreaking message with his followers after his father died last year.
Kirk urged his followers to “make the most of their time”, telling them they were not alone in a heartfelt message.
He said: “This is a message for anyone that's struggling, anyone that feels that they just can't go on no more.
“You made it this far and no matter how hard times feel, no matter how hard life is hitting you, it will and it does get better.
“It takes time - days, weeks, years - but look how far you've come now. Doesn't matter how much money you have or what you don't have. Time is something we can't buy, and we can make the most of our time by just being present.”
“Doing the best and being the best we can be,” he added. “Not to impress anyone else, but just to be a better version of us.”
“You're not alone,” he said as he ended his message.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) 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.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- 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 an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- 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.
Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul's Place - providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
The Martin Gallier Project - offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV
Read More
Read More