Pleas for "the system to change" following the death of a dad who took his own life after his benefits were stopped have been called for by ECHO readers.
Lee Tarpey, from St Helens, died at the age of 40 after taking an overdose of medication he had been prescribed for a number of health problems.
Mr Tarpey, who had been a builder for many years however suffered a heart attack in 2015 which saw him fitted with three stents.
He also suffered from angina and diabetes and told his wife he felt he was a drain on her and could not provide for his family.
His wife Kerrie Tarpey told the ECHO how he tried to go back to work several times but was physically unable to, leading him to apply for government support.
He was initially turned down, later winning an appeal and being awarded the lower rate of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in 2016.
However in the spring of 2017, Mrs Tarpey said her husband was called for an assessment, where he was told that he was not unwell enough to qualify for benefits payments and that they would be stopped.
His money was stopped in July of that year and just a month later Mr Tarpey took his own life.
ECHO readers have commented on social media and on the ECHO website and have shared their sadness over the death of Mr Tarpey.
On Twitter, @Juliecowley1 said: "Absolutely heartbreaking" while @sammi310888 said: "This is so sad for his partner too who will have to support the children on her own."
"God bless him xxxxx" said @richard12862099 while @nkayh added: "oh that's so sad."
Many readers spoke of their anger at how the benefit system was not there to support him during his time of need.
One reader, @mick_sdp said: "Very sad. An indictment of our welfare system. Condolences to his family."
Another, @tomreidy14, added: "The system needs changing·" while @Sevatar17 said: "And people still say its not dangerous this society we are creating."
One Twitter user, @MaxAccurist7210 said: "Too many people falling through the safety net, no one is held responsible."
On Facebook, people also offered their condolences and comments on the benefits system, speaking of their own or their family's personal challenges in accessing government support.
Cassie Laurence said: " To the family, my deepest sympathy, I am so sorry...I am a full time carer for my severely mentally and physically disabled sister and what they put you through just to get something to live on is unreal.
"We shouldn't have to fight for what she is entitled to as well...RIP to the gentleman."
Matt Rowbottam said: "Very sad" with Sharon Davies adding: "It is but unfortunately he isn't the only one to suffer from this very poor system and government."
Some referred to the tragic case of Stephen Smith, whose withering six-stone frame was not enough to convince a welfare assessor that he was not unfit for work and in need of help - despite two GPs confirming that he could barely walk across his front room.
Tommy Macdonald said: "Look at the case of poor Stephen Smith, due to illness, a living skeleton, yet was declared "fit for work" by the DWP" with Sharon Davies replying: "Yes that was disgraceful. They still haven't learned from what they put that poor man through."
Yvonne Owens spoke of "the heartless system we have in place for people who are at the worst time of their lives."
She said: "This poor man's family have lost a husband and father due to this cruel system when is it going to change? Who cares enough to make the changes?" adding "heartfelt sympathy to the family."
