Child of Fast Show star found dead after leaving heartbreaking note

A "brave and beautiful" PhD student who volunteered with the Samaritans, offering support to people in despair, was found dead after leaving a heart-breaking note, an inquest has heard.

Cal Shearer was found dead in their room at St John's College, at Oxford University, on October 30 this year, aged just 25-years-old. Cal, a neuroscience PhD student, was described as being on the autism spectrum and was transgender. Loved ones said Cal "radiated warmth to all those around them" following the tragic loss.

According to their family, Cal had battled with their own mental health issues yet they had volunteered on the phonelines for the Samaritans helplines, supporting others through difficult times. Cal's family said the long battle to find treatment was a part of the "all too prevalent but not yet understood crisis of suicides amongst autistic people identifying as trans".

Reports have stated that Cal left behind a note reading: "I love you and I know how loved I am. I am lucky to have so much love surrounding me."

Oxford's Coroner's Court heard on Monday that Cal had been at Leckford Road in Jericho, Oxford on October 30. The cause of their death was given as hanging and a full inquest was scheduled to be held on March 10 next year.

Cal's parents are former Fast Show actor Paul Shearer and former children's TV presenter Vicky Licorish. Vicky paid a heartfelt tribute to her youngest child, sharing photographs of Cal in happier times. She wrote: "Our brave, beautiful, blazingly clever, wickedly funny and endlessly compassionate Cal sadly lost their battle with mental health this week. There are no words."

A memorial page has raised thousands of pounds in Cal's memory for The Samaritans and Gender Intelligence, a trans rights charity. A family message on the page read "Cal's passing is a tragic loss to everyone who knew them. They had so much to offer, but the pain of their inner turmoil proved too great for them to bear."

They added: "Many walked beside Cal during the years they privately struggled with their mental health. Imogen, Cal's long term friend, then partner and, last year, wife never left their side.

"Now working for the NHS, Imogen tried to secure Cal the right treatment for this all too prevalent but not yet understood crisis of suicides amongst autistic people identifying as trans."

Tributes flooded in from fellow students and volunteers who had worked alongside them. "Cal, I am so grateful to have had the chance to know you," said one. "You worked so hard to uplift others despite your own struggles."

If you need support for your mental health the following resources are available

The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.

• Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) 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.
• Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
• PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
• Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
• Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
• Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
• If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
• James' Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family

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