A mother has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her son and spoken of how his recreational drug use set him on a "slippery slope" which lead to his death at the age of just 18.
Emma Woolfenden described her son, Kai Mogg, as having “the courage of a lion” with a “bright future ahead of him”.
But behind her heartfelt words, she revealed a darker side to his life.
Earlier this month, Kai, a beloved builder of Enterprise Gardens in Costessey, was found hanging at a property near to his home.
Ms Woolfenden cited the drug culture around his stunt scooter riding circle as the start of his struggles.
“I did not realise that from this seemingly innocent pastime, that bought Kai so much happiness, he had been introduced to the world of recreational drug use," she said.
“He had stumbled innocently upon a slippery slope which ultimately led him to take his own life.
"Over the years I sought help to the point I was broken and exhausted. I just wanted someone to make Kai stop.
“It was difficult to access any support. In the end, I found private support which was very expensive. This I felt, was a lifeline but it wasn't so for Kai.”
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Kai began riding stunt scooters from the age of 12.
This became a passion that he approached with the same energy and enthusiasm as all other areas of his life and he would spend most weekends and school holidays practicing.
His mother added: “Kai began to work as a builder at age 15 and approached his occupation with the same enthusiasm as he had for everything else in his life, getting up at 5.30am each morning for work.
“He had a bright future ahead of him.
“My son had the heart and courage of a lion, and he was loved by so many, but no more than by me.”
As a child, Kai had “the biggest, kindest heart” and was described as an "affectionate little boy” who would make friends easily.
Although never “outwardly depressed”, his mental health began to deteriorate from the age of 14.
She added: “The drug use and the world he had become immersed in, born from his love of riding his scooter in the local parks, had affected his mind.
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“Although he remained the same affectionate, loving son, who would text me and tell me every single day 'love you, Mum', inside he was destroying himself.
"Everything Kai did was to excess, whether it be riding his scooter, playing football, working, drinking or using drugs.
“My son was on the edge, and I didn't know how to help him, but I couldn’t find any help either.
“I know if he could have overcome his demons, he could have had a beautiful life, because he had so much to give and so much to live for.”
After his death, the family launched a fundraiser that raised thousands of pounds within just a few hours. It has since gone on to raise almost £8,000.
While some of the funds will be used to help cover the cost of Kai’s funeral, the family will be donating the rest to the Matthew Project, which provides support to those with drug and alcohol issues, and Papyrus, a charity working to prevent suicide among the young.
An inquest into the teenager’s death was opened at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, Norwich, on Tuesday, July 11.
Led by area coroner for Norfolk, Yvonne Blake, she said the medical cause of death was given as “hanging”.
- Visit https://gofund.me/5ac2bb6a to donate.
- If you need help and support, call NHS 111 and select option 2 or the Samaritans on 116 123. Both services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can also download the Stay Alive app on Apple & Android.
SUPPORT FROM SIBLINGS
Kai's brother, Elliott MacPhee, said: “With the love and support of everyone around us, we reached our target. We have now decided we want to keep raising money to go to a mental health charity to try and help other people struggling like my brother did.
“Kai was my best friend and my little brother. I will always remember his contagious laugh and the great times we had together.”
His sister, Jessica MacPhee, added: “My little brother Kai - there was so still much he wanted to see and do in his life that felt like it had only just begun.
“I’ll forever wonder what may have come of his life if he was still here.
“I urge anybody that is in darkness, please reach out for help.”
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