Family share dad's tragic story to help others suffering in silence

But during this time of insurmountable grief, his loved ones have bravely spoken out in the hope of preventing another family from suffering the same heartache.

Michael, who had hidden his struggles with mental health problems, died after falling from the Thelwall Viaduct on January 17. 

“There was no indication,” said Michael’s mum Joan.

“He was a happy-go-lucky, large than life character who always had a smile on his face.

“He had a large booming voice and an even louder laugh.

“He was worried about this, that and the other but nothing of concern.

“I saw him on the Saturday and he said he had given up smoking because it could kill you.

“When he left he gave me the biggest hug and said ‘I love you mam’. That was the last time I saw him.”

PICTURED: Michael Biggar

Michael, 45, grew up in Ashton in Makerfield with his mum, dad Tony and three brothers David, 57, Peter, 55, and Rob 42.

The car salesman, who previously worked at Audi in Westbrook for three years, was the proud dad to his two-year-old daughter Ariana and 10-year-old stepdaughter Alyssa with his partner Kalissta.

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There are many moments that stand out as his family reflect on Michael’s life – but his heroic efforts are memories that his family are particularly proud of. 

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“He saved a kid from drowning when we were on holiday,” said Joan.

“He was only 15 years old and he dived into the pool. 

“He was also on the front page of the paper around 11 years ago.

“It said ‘local hero saves man from drowning in icy waters’.

“He had saved his life – that was just the kind of man he was.”

Joan has shared her son’s story in a bid to raise awareness of mental health problems. 

Michael’s younger brother Rob is also determined to encourage others to speak up if they are struggling.

PICTURED: Rob and Michael Biggar

Writing on Facebook, he made a public plea to remind everyone that ‘it’s ok not to be ok’.

He said:  “My big brother and best friend Michael Biggar passed away on January 17.

“He jumped off Thelwall Bridge at approx 1.46pm. At approx 1.44pm – just two mins before – he pulled his car up on the hard shoulder of the bridge and sent a text saying goodbye to his partner, telling her to tell his daughter that he loves her and to make sure to tell her that he was a good dad.

“Then he just got out the car and jumped off, no hesitation, no cry for help, no waiting for someone to grab him or talk him out of it, he just did it.

“There’s so many questions. Why? What was going on in his head? Questions that will forever be unanswered.

“My family is devastated by this and will never ever get over it. It still seems so unreal and nothing has sunk in yet really.

“We love you so much Michael and I’m going to miss you forever and I wish I could have just done something, been there more for you, but I/we never knew he was feeling this bad or what was truly going on in his brain.

“It’s unbearable and unbelievable to think I’ll never ever see you again, never hear your voice or laugh again and more to the point your little girl will never know her daddy and how much he really did truly love her, you were all he ever wanted.”

“If you are feeling so low that you feel there is no way out and could ever contemplate taking your own life, please talk to someone, anyone, because the devastation that you leave behind is unmeasurable.

“And before you think or say that suicide is selfish, it’s not.

“Suicide is death caused by the illness of depression, it’s the final symptom – a final collapse under an unbearable weight that you can not move.

“Suicide is a tragedy and if you’ve never been close to that edge, then try not to judge what you will never understand."

If you have been affected by this story and would like to talk to someone then call Samaritans for free from any phone on 116123.