Celebrating Lives - Dave's Story

He was raised in a hardworking family in Limehouse, where his father worked at a paper mill alongside his mother. At the age of 9, his life changed dramatically when he was involved in a road traffic accident. He sustained severe head injuries and was placed in a coma. He also required multiple skin grafts on his leg. He spent a year in the hospital, learning to walk again. It was during this challenging time that he discovered his love for maths.

At 16, he started working as a post boy, eventually progressing to a messenger in the City of London. Over time, he worked his way up to become a gilt-edge manager for Fielding Newson Smith. By 1985, at the age of 35, he was headhunted by Merrill Lynch to set up their new Gilt Edge department. His success was undeniable, and he often boasted about having an American Express card just for curries. He loved his job at Merrill Lynch and felt fulfilled by the work he did.

But before all that hard work, he had a passion for travel. He ventured far and wide, visiting places like Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and America, to name a few. His passport was filled with stamps from all over the world. He was a walking, talking encyclopedia—one of the reasons his wife fell in love with him. He always had the answer to any question, no matter how obscure.

However, at the age of 42, he faced a devastating setback. He suffered a massive breakdown after the loss of his mother. Following this, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that stemmed from the brain injury he sustained when he was a child.

Unable to return to the job he loved, he refused to let his mental health condition define him. He worked tirelessly in whatever jobs he could find to provide for his family. Whether as a caretaker, builder, painter and decorator, or takeaway driver, he did whatever it took. He always said he didn’t want his condition to limit him or his life’s potential.

Despite everything, he loved to sing and dance, and this became his mantra. Reggae music was one of his favorites, from UB40 and Bob Marley to John Holt, along with loud shirts and Tequila Sunrise cocktails. His most-played song was “Three Little Birds”—its lyrics always resonated with him: "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright."

He never asked for his condition. He was simply a man who loved to work, who strived for success, and who deeply loved his family. He never wanted to talk about his problems, feeling that he had to shoulder all the responsibilities on his own. Unfortunately, that pressure broke him.

Mental health affects. It's essential to talk to others and know that you're never alone. In today’s world, everyone, especially men, should be able to talk about their struggles without the fear of stigma.