BBC Breakfast viewers have taken to social media to share their support for Sky News star Mike McCarthy after he opened up about his son’s tragic death on the morning TV show

Sky News star Mike McCarthy broke down yesterday in a “heartbreaking” interview

BBC Breakfast viewers have shared their support for Sky News star Mike McCarthy after the newsreader shared his son’s “dying wish” in an emotional interview. Mike appeared on BBC Breakfast yesterday to raise awareness around suicide prevention after the death of his son Ross in 2021.

Ross ended his life aged 31 after struggling with his mental health for 10 years. He went to his GP with severe depression and was placed on a six-month waiting list for therapy but died two weeks later, leaving behind his fiancée and a three-year-old son.

Speaking about his son, Mike wiped away tears as he shared Ross’ final message, which asked his family to campaign for ‘better support’. The note read: “Please fight for mental health. The support is just not there.”

Mike McCarthy broke down as he spoke about his son on BBC Breakfast(Image: BBC)

Mike said on the show: “I say to people whom I have met, who have lost people to suicide, ‘I wish I had never met you, but I am glad that we did.’ Because in another world we wouldn’t have met, and I’d go back to that world in the blink of an eye, but I’ve met some incredible people.”

Opening up about Ross’ goodbye note, he said: “We’ve introduced what we’d call a workplace pledge, in which we provide suicide prevention in the workplace for companies large and small.

“That has really taken off and it’s rewarding to see that the letter that Ross left for me, that there was something that I could do to answer what was effectively his dying wish.”

Viewers took to X to share their support for Mike, with one writing: “Great peice [sic] to raise awareness & bring mens mental health to the forefront. I’ve been through difficult times & now have monthly private counselling & therapy sessions. Talking about it without fear or being judged helps a lot.”

Another said: “That’s heartbreaking to watch. Reminds me of @CameronX664’s thoughtful tweets about parenting through grief – puts things in perspective.”

In the interview, Mike also spoke about three other fathers who had lost their children to suicide – and how they’ve launched the campaign 3 Dads Walking to raise awareness “one step at a time”.

Mike said: “I mean, the 3 Dads, again, advanced the cause so effectively. Doing something practical was a Baton of Hope, and we wanted to do something practical.”

He added, “Awareness is as good as the practical change that follows.” BBC Breakfast presenter Rachel Burden stepped in to comfort Mike: “Ross would be incredibly proud of what you’re doing, and thank you for sharing his story with us; we appreciate it.”