Memorial match after debt suicide

Darrel Musgrove faced loan repayments of �4,000 a month

A charity football match has been played in memory of a man who killed himself after his failing taxi firm ran up debts of �179,000.

Darrel Musgrove, 37, from Llandudno, Conwy, hanged himself after his loan repayments rose to �4,000 a month.

His brother Garrad had called for tighter controls on finance companies.

Former Wales international Mickey Thomas played at the match between Rhos On Sea Golf Club and Rhos United, which Mr Musgrove used to sponsor.

The game was on Saturday at Colwyn Bay Rugby Club, with anyone wishing to play adding their names to a list.

Players and spectators were asked for a �5 donation which went towards a charity to be chosen by the Darrel Musgrove Memorial Committee.

Speaking ahead of the game, Mr Musgrave said: "It will be an emotional day. It's a chance for a lot of Darrel's friends to remember him and raise some money for a good cause at the same time.

My brother and I always used to go out on Boxing Day... it won't be the same without him Garrad Musgrove

"The support and generosity of people has been fantastic."

Darrel Musgrove began trading with his company, Daz'll Drive U, in November 2007, but within eight months had made a significant loss, despite putting �60,000 of his own money into the business.

Mr Musgrove, who had a seven-year-old daughter, hanged himself in July.

A verdict of suicide was recorded at an inquest last month, which also heard that he was depressed.

He had been financed by four companies, Lombard, GE Money, Black Horse and Private and Commercial Finance Group. All the firms expressed their sympathies and said they operated stringent credit checks.

Garrad Musgrove said the family had received "fantastic support"

Between them and a car sales company, Cab Direct, Mr Musgrove obtained vehicles worth �195,000, leaving him with an overall debt of about �179,000.

Garrad Musgrove, an accountant, later called for a tightening of controls over finance companies, claiming his brother had been able to obtain credit too easily.

Mr Musgrove said the family would "try our best" to enjoy Christmas.

He added: "It's going to be an emotional time. My brother and I always used to go out on Boxing Day to spend some time together - it won't be the same without him.

"But we will get through it and can hopefully start afresh next year."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version