Father's suicide: Family reveals 'pressure of everything'

The devastated wife of Dale Harris, a 'much-loved' Oldham businessman and father, told an inquest that 'the pressure of everything was too much for him' leading to his death in hospital on January 12, 2026. The 31-year-old had a history of 'on-and-off struggle' with mental ill-health since 2018.

Mr. Harris, who had recently taken a pay cut at Chadderton Football Club, was reportedly experiencing significant financial pressure. His wife also revealed his involvement with a trading platform, describing it as 'like gambling.' Emails presented at the inquest showed a rejected £10,000 withdrawal request from his account just four days prior to his death.

In the weeks leading up to his passing, Mr. Harris was described as 'quite low,' exacerbated by Christmas financial pressures. Despite a seemingly positive outlook in December, he took his own life at his parents' home on the morning of January 12, 2026, after leaving letters for loved ones and consuming a fatal dose of medication.

An inquest concluded Mr. Harris's death was a suicide, resulting from a medication overdose. Assistant coroner Julie Mitchell noted his rigid thinking and satisfaction that he deliberately took the medication knowing the fatal consequences.