Supervet star Noel Fitzpatrick says he was suicidal after being accused of malpractice
TV presenter appeared on ‘Desert Island Discs’ to discuss his life and career
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Your support makes all the difference.Supervet star Noel Fitzpatrick has opened up about how his mental health suffered when he was accused of professional malpractice.
The Irish TV presenter and veterinary surgeon – whose clients have included Meghan Markle and Russell Brand – faced the accusation after fitting three bionic limbs to a tortoise named Hermes, to replace those that had been chewed off by rats as it was hibernating.
However, Hermes died around two months later, at the end of 2018, which Fitzpatrick said was from a suspected gastroenteric issue.
The tortoise’s death prompted a number of vets to complain to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Fitzpatrick was eventually cleared of any malpractice.
“I was suicidal,” he told Lauren Laverne on Desert Island Discs. “That’s the nuts and bolts of it.”
He said he had “no acrimony” against the vets who complained about him because “they are trying to do the right thing”.
‘But in this case they felt I didn’t look after the ethical welfare of Hermes enough and they wouldn’t have done it. They would not have offered this option to Hermes,” he said.
Fitzpatrick said he had been supported during that time by his girlfriend and their own pets.
Among Fitzpatrick’s song choices on Desert Island Discs were “One” by U2, “Love of My Life” by Queen, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin and “Do Anything You Want To” by Thin Lizzy.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.