A contestant from the TV show Dragons’ Den was tragically found dead in a woodland area. Graeme Turner appeared on the programme back in 2010. An inquest heard how the 53-year-old was found dead in Pwllheli, North Wales, on October 1. The coroner, Kate Robertson, recorded a suicide verdict at the hearing conducted this week.
As reported by the Mirror, Turner presented his innovative concept for a children’s customisable wallpaper kit on Dragons’ Den. Seeking a £50,000 investment for a 5% stake in his company, he unfortunately did not secure the backing of the dragons.
Despite this, he continued to develop his business, which allowed parents to decorate a child’s bedroom with their favourite football stadium theme.
His son paid tribute to the businessman on Facebook at the end of the year. Along with a picture of his father, his son wrote: “I have just lost the best, strongest, kindest, most loyal, courageous dad I have ever had and known, he was the godfather the inspiration in my life. I am devastated and that is an understatement.”
Friends and family took to the comment section to offer their support during the family’s difficult time. Friends also paid tribute to the Dragons’ Den contestant, with one user writing: “It’s with a heavy heart to announce we lost a very good friend and past member of The Supporters Club prior to Christmas.
“Graeme Turner sadly passed away after a long battle with illness.” Another person commented: “A great man and I had the privilege to be in his company on many occasions in my time.”
One heartbroken person said: “Very sad news, Graeme was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed by all Condolences to Graeme family and friends.”
One friend posted: “An absolute gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him, my thoughts are with his family at this sad time, safe now in the arms of Jesus,” and another added: “RIP Graeme, memories that will last a lifetime, thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.”
Another commented: “Sorry for your loss mate such sad news he was a great man who I knew you looked upon with great respect hope your as well as can be.”
Shatter the Silence
The DevonLive Shatter the Silence campaign aims to encourage anyone struggling to reach out and talk – to either a friend, relative, charity or a professional. Our campaign content will highlight just how important talking is and the difference it can make.
Ultimately, we want to reduce the number of people who die by suicide in Devon. We will highlight where to get help and show how talking has helped people come through difficult times in their lives. We will speak to families who have lost loved ones to look at the lasting impact of suicide and attempt to dismiss the inaccurate belief many people who are struggling manifest that they are a burden on the ones they love. We will look at the devastation caused to those left behind in the hope that even one reader might change their mind if they have considered taking their own life.
We will speak to people who have survived a suicide attempt and have accessed counselling or other mental health services to show that things can get better. We will speak to Samaritans volunteers about their vital work in Devon and how they are on hand 24-7 to listen. And we will offer guidance on what to say to someone who is struggling so people feel more confident to have that conversation.
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WHERE TO GET HELP:
SAMARITANS offers support in a range of ways, including a self-help app, email support or by calling 116 123 for free 24 hours a day
NHSOffers advice on how to access mental health support
TALKWORKS is a free-to-access NHS service offering a variety of treatment and support for adults (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth)
CALMoffer a free, confidential helpline 0800 58 58 58 andwebchat, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems
HUB OF HOPEis a mental health support database that can signpost you to local support services
ANDY’S MAN CLUB offers men a chance to talk with like-minded people. They have clubs in Devon as well as nationally
KOOTH & QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing support, including moderated peer support forums and text-based counselling, to all residents living in Devon (aged 11+)
PETE’S DRAGONS provide free-to-access support to all residents living in Devon who may have been bereaved by suicide at any point in their lives
THE MOORINGS is an emotional support service that provides telephone and face-to-face support via a drop-in service at its bases in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay. It is a non-clinical service but provides emotional support, signposting to other services and other general support that is tailored to the people who access it.
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