Fiancee's heartbreak after death of man who had depression

Rob Jones was found dead at his home in Tyldesley after his mental health deteriorated following the death of his nan Ethel four years ago.

He lived with his grandparents in Leigh since the age of 10 and after his nan passed away, he struggled to manage his life and started drinking heavily.

His fiancee Vicky Brown, 30, who lives in Atherton, said: "I was obviously devastated when I found out that Rob had died.

"I am still shocked and am waiting for a phone call or a message from him. He used to send stupid messages or videos to me all the time.

"Rob was telling everyone he was fine but he was not. I did not believe him.

"It was like the stigma of men not wanting to talk about themselves.

"Rob was very close to his nan and after she died he could not sleep and kept thinking about her.

"He was drinking and couldn't get up for work and ended up losing his job."

Rob’s health worsened and last September he collapsed at home and was taken to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan.

He was transferred to Trafford in November, where he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affects the immune system.

Along with physio treatment, Rob was given counselling sessions before he moved into his own flat in Tyldesley in March.

Due to his health problems, he had to have splints on his legs to help him walk.

Despite receiving close support from Vicky and his uncle Allan, Rob's battle with depression continued without him wanting to talk about how he felt.

He was found dead at his home on August 22, six days before his birthday.

Vicky wants to raise awareness of mental health issues and is urging people to talk about it.

Rob met Vicky after working together at Poundstretcher in Leigh from 2007 and he took more than five years to pluck up the courage to ask her out.

They got engaged on Christmas Day in 2015.

Vicky said: "Rob had such a good sense of humour and liked to wind everybody up.

"He was a Manchester United fan and my family are all City fans.

"When he met them for the first time he unzipped his top to show he was proudly wearing a United shirt."

Sports lover Rob played football weekly at Leigh Sports Village and rugby in his younger years.

An inquest into Rob's death has been opened.

A crowdfunding page has been set up via Facebook in aid of Rob's funeral. To donate to it click here.