Phillip Herron: Inside a single dad’s tragic
A Father in Crisis
Phillip Herron, a 34-year-old single father from Durham, England, took his own life in 2019 with only $6 in his bank account.
He struggled under nearly $25,000 in debt while waiting weeks for his first Universal Credit payment.
The System Fails
Universal Credit, designed to simplify welfare, left Phillip in financial limbo.
“When people ask for help, they’re already desperate,” his mother Sheena Derbyshire said.
“Making them wait this long? It’s dangerous.”
A Family Shattered
Phillip’s final selfie and goodbye note devastated his family.
“It was a total shock,” Sheena said.
His children continue to grieve, and none received therapy.
A Plea for Change
Sheena hopes speaking out will help others.
“Please, please talk to someone.
Don’t let another family go through this…
If this doesn’t change, he won’t be the last.”
