Thomas was a pupil at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School. Featured image credit: Google Maps
Having just completed his GCSEs last summer, 16-year-old Thomas Gallagher had a bright future ahead of him and high hopes of studying at Oxford.
However, tragically, just hours after sending 'thank you' messages to five of his friends, he was found hanged.
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His body was discovered in Old Kays Park in Tottington, Bury, around 8am on July 11 last year, an inquest heard.
The lead officer on the case, Det Insp Richard Hunt, said the teenage lad ignored calls and texts from his family on the night, however, he reached out to several pals.
To one girl he wrote: "...tu est fantastique don't go changing for anyone," the M.E.N reports.
Another message read: "YOLO don't let people go bossing you around..."
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He also sent a message to a third friend thanking them for 'being there when no one else was'.
On Monday, the first day of a seven-day inquest into his death was held in Heywood.
According to M.E.N, the jury heard how Thomas had battled psychosis and OCD and had previously self-harmed and attempted suicide.
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, talk to somebody. No matter how you're feeling, you are not alone and help is out there.
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Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year.
If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
It's time to talk, lads.
Words by Sian Broderick
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