A mother has paid loving tribute to her son and hopes there will be greater improvement and investment in mental health services across Powys.

In September 2019, David William Pugh of Clatter, sadly died after he lost control of his vehicle and crashed in Trefeglwys. He was aged 35. David had battled with his mental health, such as depression and anxiety, and sometimes resorted to self-medication to ease his troubles.

He was a former pupil of Newtown College where he studied Agriculture, before going on to work on his family’s farm.

Paying tribute, his mother, Ann Pugh said: “David was a kind, caring, protective, loving man. He was hard working, but sadly had his demons and struggles. He always thought the world was against him. I was aware that he had been suffering from depression and other mental health issues, but he often didn’t want to talk about it or admit to family he was struggling”.

“David had been seeing mental health specialists and GPs for a number of years, but I feel they never really supported David enough. Why the problems David experienced were never treated fully and ‘nipped in the bud’ I don’t know. As a result, he would try to self-medicate, which didn’t help him at all. I only hope there will be more investment in Mental Health services in Powys to help support people in similar circumstances to my David!”

“He loved spending time socialising with friends and playing pool and dominoes in the local leagues. One of the distinctive things about David’s personality was his willingness to help anyone in any way he could. He would do anything for anyone”.

“David was not only a son, but a brother, uncle and nephew.

“He will be sorely missed by us all”.

Family would like to thank PC 186 Liam Donovan of Newtown Police Station and undertaker Mr M. Jones of Llanidloes, for all their help and support.

Donations made by the large attendance at David’s funeral amounted to the fantastic sum of £1,703, donated to the DPJ Foundation.

Powys Teaching Health Board has been asked to comment.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call the Samaritans for help on 116 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk, The DPJ Foundation on 0800 587 4262, or Mid and North Powys Mind on 01597 824916.