A charity football match is taking place in memory of Daniel Willis
Paul Greaves Senior News Reporter
06:00, 02 May 2026
Daniel Willis(Image: Carl Willis)
A much-loved 25-year-old who moved from Devon to start a new life in Western Australia took his own life, an inquest has heard.
Daniel Willis was born in Plymouth but grew up in Tavistock. He died near Perth in July, 2024 but an inquest into his death has only just been heard in Exeter.
Tributes were paid to Daniel after the tragedy. He was a promising footballer who played for Tavistock Community Football Club and had trials for Plymouth Argyle youth academy. A charity football match is being staged to raise money for a local mental health charity.
Daniel moved to Australia in 2022 and worked as an engineer. An investigation by carried out by the authorities in Australia stated he was reported missing by friends and his body discovered by a park ranger in a forest on the outskirts of the city.
A note was found in his room at home stating his intention to self harm.
The inquest was told that three days before his death Daniel had been prescribed medication for anxiety and depression. They were found at therapeutic levels in his body, said the coroner. UK medical records showed no prior history of mental health conditions.
The coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide.
A charity football match in Daniel’s memory, organised by his brother, raised £2,000 for Mind. The aim was to encourage people to talk about mental health.
The DW Cup returns on Saturday, May 16, after a successful match last year. It is in aid of Man Down UK.
Carl Willis said: “This is to raise money for a charity that helped me after Dan (my brother) took his own life in July 2024.
“We want to spread awareness to all men that it’s ok to talk. Kick off is at 2pm at Tavistock Crowndale pitch.
“Please donate to support what is a brilliant charity and we hope to see you on Saturday 16th May.”
Details about the match can be found here.
Where to get help and support
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Signposting
24/7 NHS Mental health response line: For support and advice. Call free any time, day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. The team behind the 24/7 open access telephone response line will listen to you and determine how best to help. t: 111Samaritans: When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. No judgement, no pressure. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.orgThe NHS Talking therapies service (IAPT) provides free, confidential talking therapies for people aged 16 years and over experiencing common difficulties including low mood, stress, anxiety or worry. Call 01752 435419 in Plymouth to access, or call 01208 871905 in Cornwall.The Suicide Liaison Service is available to support adults over the age of 18 years who have been bereaved by suicide. If you or someone you know would like to access this free service, call 01208 871 905Man Down: supporting men’s mental health in Cornwall – www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk‘We are with you’ for support with alcohol, drugs or mental health call 01872 263001 or visit https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/cornwall-truro/.Childline: Free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime. t: 0800 1111 email or chat via www.childline.org.ukShout: 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text: 85258CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably: For men who are down or who need to talk, find information and support. t: 0800 58 58 58 5pm – midnight every day or webchat at www.thecalmzone.netIf you are a young person or worried about a child you can call the Early Help Hub for advice and help (call 01872 322277 or email earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk).Call 0300 777 4777 or visit https://saferfutures.org.uk/ if you or someone else is affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and those demonstrating abusive behaviours.Sunrise Cornwall CIC runs safe and supportive events, workshops and activities for those affected by loss through suicide. Visit www.sunrisecornwall.org.uk or search Sunrise Cornwall on Facebook or InstagramPapyrus Hopeline24/7 For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text HOPE to 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.orgAndys Man Club offer safe non judgemental spaces where men can discuss their mental health or just get stuff off their chest. We meet every Monday 7-9pm (exc Bank Holidays) and have multiple locations in Devon – Plymouth City College, Plymouth Marjon University, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Exeter, Honiton, Torbay. For more information, please visit www.andysmanclub.co.uk.