THE devastated parents of a Blackburn schoolboy who took his own life made an impassioned plea to youngsters to seek help if they are struggling with their mental health.

Speaking after the inquest into the death of their son, 15-year-old Cayden Lee Brown, Julie-Anne Green and David Green said their lives ‘had been turned upside down and would never be the same again’.

Cayden, a pupil at St Bede’s High School in Blackburn, was found dead in his bedroom by his mum at their Taunton Road home on January 15.

Senior coroner Dr James Adeley concluded that the teenager, an avid skateboarder who loved music and playing the guitar, had taken his own life but reassured his parents that their son would not have suffered.

The inquest in Clitheroe heard Cayden was a quiet young man with a close circle of friends who always attended school and showed a particular interest in music.

Giving evidence, assistant headteacher at St Bede’s, Nicola O’Toole, said Cayden never gave them any cause for concern, until a few days before the end of the summer term in 2019.

She said: “We had been told by another pupil that Cayden had sent text messages saying he had thoughts of hurting himself and was feeling very low.

“Safeguarding officers spoke with his parents and with Cayden, and we advised maybe he could see a doctor.

“I think, though, Cayden was quiet and an introvert and wouldn’t speak openly about things.”

Cayden’s mother, Julie-Anne, said her son didn’t reveal too much to people, and wouldn’t speak up if there was anything wrong, but when talking with him about the messages, told him if he was ever feeling low again to come to her.

She said: “After that there was nothing to suggest he was feeling like that again; he was still the same kid; although I did look at messages on his Facebook and saw one where he said that no-one liked him.”

Mrs O’Toole said when Cayden returned to school in September, he was again spoken to by safeguarding officers and they had no concerns about him, and this continued to be the case into the New Year.

However, the inquest heard that in the days leading up to Cayden’s death, he had spoken with friends over the internet and confided in another pupil about feeling low.

Det Insp Victoria Cain told the inquest: “Following Cayden’s death we examined his phone and there were messages that had been sent, and one which read ‘I just want to leave this world, I don’t want to suffer anymore’.”

A sketch book had also been found in Cayden’s room, containing notes that seemed to be addressed to the lead singer of major rock band Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, who took his own life in July 2017.

One of the sketches read ‘I will see you soon’.

No suicide note was left for his family, and Julie-Anne said: “He wouldn’t have left a note, he wasn’t the type of boy who would’ve done that.”

Concluding the inquest, Dr Adeley said: “It is my view that Cayden did take his own life, despite your best efforts to keep him safe and look after him.”

Julie-Anne and Cayden's dad, David, said that if any other young person was feeling low they must reach out and seek help.

Julie-Anne added: “If anything, we hope that what happened to Cayden can stop others from doing the same.

“If anyone needs help or needs us to talk to, we are always here.

“Please, if you are feeling low, speak out and seek help, from the Young Minds charity, or anyone; we don’t want any parent to go through what we are going through, ever.

“We just want to remember Cayden for how he was – a happy, loving, caring boy.”

In January, following his death, Julie-Anne and David issued the following tribute: “Outside school, he was a very active boy who was dedicated to skateboarding and music, spending most of his time with friends mastering new tricks and perfecting music on his guitar.

“A very bright and beautiful boy who loved his brother Mason so much, they were inseparable.

“Our son will always live on in his brother and we will always remember his smiling face.”

St Bede’s headteacher Des Callaghan also issued a statement, saying the entire school community was struggling to come to terms with the sad loss of one of their pupils but vowed to reflect on the happiness he brought.

Mr Callaghan said: “The whole school community at St Bede’s have been deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Cayden.

“Cayden was a lovely young man with many good friends here. He particularly loved and thrived at music in school.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all struggle to come to terms with this sad loss.

“Our pastoral team, supported by professional counsellors, are providing support to the school community and to Cayden’s friends who are helping one another through this difficult time.

“We will continue to reflect on the happiness that Cayden brought to our school.”

If you have been affected by any of the details in this report, or are feeling like you need to speak with someone, you can call The Samaritans free, 24/7, on 116 123.