The family of much-loved Okehampton dad and well-known gardener Richard Plumpton who unexpectedly ended his life last year have told how his death has led to men now being able to access more mental health support in the town. The 33-year-old, who ran gardening business R. Plumpton Gardening Services and and had a passion for judo and music, was found passed away in a secluded location close to his home by search and rescue teams shortly on October 18, 2022.
He had been reported the previous day prompting a high-risk missing persons search by police and also the local community. An inquest into his death at Exeter Coroner's Court yesterday, June 29, heard that Richard had left an end-of-life note at his family home which led his wife to call the police. He was then found a day later.
The inquest heard the dad-of-one had no record of mental health concerns in his medical notes and had no other significant health problems. The cause of his death was hanging.
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Recording a conclusion of suicide, assistant coroner Luisa Nicholson said: "Looking at the evidence before me, we don't know why he took the steps he did. It very much remains a mystery. What I can be certain about is he took steps to end his life and intended to do so."
Richard was born in Plymouth and moved to Hatherleigh when he was two years old. The former Hatherleigh Primary School and Okehampton College pupil first met his wife Kate in catering classes and gained an NVQ in agriculture. Richard’s passion for the great outdoors led to him establishing his own business in January 2016.
His greatest work achievement was reclaiming and restoring overgrown gardens back to their original design at Wood MediSpa in South Tawton. In his personal life, Richard married Kate in August 2015 and their son was born in April 2020. Richard and Kate both shared a passion for travel.
He also embraced an eclectic mix of additional interests including listening to music and aspiring to play the guitar, Judo – both participating and coaching with Okehampton Judo Club, fishing, paintballing and skittles – both playing and as chairman of the league. He was also a talented quizzer and games player.
Paying tribute to Richard after the inquest, his family said: "Richard was a kind, caring and happy person. He was always willing to lend a hand or sit and listen.
"We talk about Richard and often share stories and memories of our time with him. He was such a joy to be with and we miss him.
Shatter the Silence
The DevonLive Shatter the Silence campaign aims to encourage anyone struggling to reach out and talk - to either a friend, relative, charity or a professional. Our campaign content will highlight just how important talking is and the difference it can make.
Ultimately, we want to reduce the number of people who die by suicide in Devon. We will highlight where to get help and show how talking has helped people come through difficult times in their lives. We will speak to families who have lost loved ones to look at the lasting impact of suicide and attempt to dismiss the inaccurate belief many people who are struggling manifest that they are a burden on the ones they love. We will look at the devastation caused to those left behind in the hope that even one reader might change their mind if they have considered taking their own life.
We will speak to people who have survived a suicide attempt and have accessed counselling or other mental health services to show that things can get better. We will speak to Samaritans volunteers about their vital work in Devon and how they are on hand 24-7 to listen. And we will offer guidance on what to say to someone who is struggling so people feel more confident to have that conversation.
Do you have a relevant story to share? Email emma.slee@reachplc.com.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
SAMARITANS offers support in a range of ways, including a self-help app, email support or by calling 116 123 for free 24 hours a day
NHS Offers advice on how to access mental health support
TALKWORKS is a free-to-access NHS service offering a variety of treatment and support for adults (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth)
CALM offer a free, confidential helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life's problems
HUB OF HOPE is a mental health support database that can signpost you to local support services
ANDY'S MAN CLUB offers men a chance to talk with like-minded people. They have clubs in Devon as well as nationally
KOOTH & QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing support, including moderated peer support forums and text-based counselling, to all residents living in Devon (aged 11+)
PETE'S DRAGONS provide free-to-access support to all residents living in Devon who may have been bereaved by suicide at any point in their lives
THE MOORINGS is an emotional support service that provides telephone and face-to-face support via a drop-in service at its bases in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay. It is a non-clinical service but provides emotional support, signposting to other services and other general support that is tailored to the people who access it.
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"Richard was an incredible father who was adored by his son and they both loved spending time together, with their laughter filling the house and our hearts.
"We would like to thank the police, Dartmoor Search and Rescue, Pete’s Dragons and the Okehampton community who helped looked for Richard and with their continued support. Richard will always be remembered, loved and missed."
His family added that his funeral raised money for Pete's Dragons and Dartmoor Search and Rescue. Local cafe Image Coffee Lounge in Okehampton now runs monthly ManDate Mondays from 6pm. The first drink is free and following drinks are via donations to Pete's Dragons.
Support is also available at virtual reality gaming arcade Immersion in Fore Street, Okehampton, which offers free men’s mental health gaming sessions on Fridays between 6pm to 8pm due to a successful funding bid.
