THE daughter of a man who died after years of alcohol abuse has said she wants to help others battling alcoholism.

Charlotte Thurlow, who lost her father this year, has described how profoundly her father's addiction impacted her life.

The 21-year-old midwife described her dad, Mark Thurlow, as "creative, clever and kind".

The Bitterne resident has blamed her 65-year-old father's drinking for his death. An inquest is yet to open.

She said: "I want to raise awareness of this disease and hopefully help prevent another family from losing someone needlessly to this horrible illness.

"I hope I can help remove the stigma that comes with being an alcoholic.

"My dad was a good man, but sadly, alcohol took over his life.

"It was a horrible way to go."

Daily Echo: Charlotte ThurlowCharlotte Thurlow

Speaking to the Echo about his battles, Charlotte said her dad's addiction began in his 20s while managing bars and pubs in London, Reading and elsewhere in the UK.

Charlotte believes the pressure of having to look after two kids made her dad's drinking habit spiral. 

As years passed by, Mark's relationship with his daughter and other family members became distant and complicated. 

Recalling her childhood Charlotte said: "Dad was also struggling with his mental health and found drinking as a way to escape reality. 

"At a small age, I didn't know what mood he would be in.

"His behaviour became unpredictable and as a kid, you just didn't want to be involved in all this." 

Mark, who served in the Royal Navy, was found dead in his Shirley flat by police on Thursday, June 28. 

Whilst clearing out his home, Charlotte found the apartment "flooded with bottles of vodka and cans of energy drinks". 

Speaking about his death, she said: "I wish I had reached out to him. 

"He was not in a good place and I wish he could have gotten the support he needed to help with his mental health and drinking problem.Daily Echo:

She added: "He had a great life, children that he adored and friends and colleagues that loved him. 

"He could have been anything he wanted to be, but I think his addiction stopped him." 

According to data revealed by Public Health England, 35 people from Southampton were among the 6,985 who died from alcohol-specific causes across the country last year.

That is up from 27 recorded in 2019.

Charlotte will be doing a skydive for Alcohol Change UK and has helped raise over £1,000 for the charity so far. 

To support her fundraiser visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlotte-thurlow2