‘Mum killed herself then dad died of a broken heart – stand-up comedy saved me’
A comedian who lost his mum to suicide before his dad died weeks later has said making people laugh 'saved his life'.
Each time Marcus Tisson takes to the stage, the tragedy that brought him there is at the front of his mind.
Three years ago his mum Margaret unexpectedly took her own life by jumping in front of a train, tearing his family apart.
Just two months later his dad Winston, who had battled schizophrenia all his life, passed away of what Marcus believes was a broken heart.
His parents' deaths left the 40-year-old from East London with severe anxiety and PTSD, but he says comedy saved his life.
In the aftermath, Marcus of Bow, East London, decided to channel his grief into making people laugh.
He has shared his story for World Mental Health Day, and hopes he can help inspire others through difficult times.
Marcus said doing stand-up is therapeutic for him, and he tackles the tragedy head-on in his performances.
He runs a campaign encouraging others to open up about their mental health, and believes laughter can help get this crucial message across.
"Suicide ruined my family," he said.
"When my mum took her own life it was a big shock to everyone around her, there were no signs of it.
"She seemed happy, even in the days before she took her life, we were talking about her birthday.
"That's what really hurts. If someone is ill you can prepare yourself and say goodbye, but to go like this, there are no words to describe it. I will never get over it."
Marcus last spoke to Margaret, who was 58 when she died, the day before her death – and desperately wishes she had spoken to someone about what she was going through.
"I just wish she had reached out and spoken to someone," he said.
"We could have helped her through it."
On August 21, 2016, the worst day of Marcus' life, he received a call from his aunt breaking the tragic news that his mum had died at Mile End station.
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