The Story The Sunday Edition: Poison (Pt 1) - The life of Tom Parfett
Jul 5, 2025
In this episode, David Parfett shares the heart-wrenching story of his son Tom, who tragically took his own life at 22. David reflects on Tom's life, from a joyful childhood filled with football to the struggles of mental health and academic pressures. The conversation sheds light on the dark realities of addiction, the urgent need for accountability in substance sales, and the emotional turmoil of navigating a mental health crisis. David's poignant anecdotes underscore the importance of open dialogue about mental health and the aftermath of profound grief.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tom's Early Life and Personality
- Tom Parfett was a quiet, well-behaved boy with a cheeky sense of humor and a love for football.
- Childhood photos show a happy and imaginative child who enjoyed dressing up and sharing family moments.
Online Sales Facilitate Suicide Crisis
- Families often face devastating loss due to substances sold online that facilitate suicide.
- There is a lack of accountability and understanding by authorities regarding these sales and their impact.
Tom's Early Signs of Anxiety
- Tom showed signs of anxiety starting junior school with repeated checking behaviors involving his teddy bears.
- Socially popular but with a small group of close friends, he struggled with anxiety impacting morning routines.