A HEARTBROKEN father who saw his son fall to his death from a house extension has revealed how he has been battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paul Fenwick, 31, who was known as "Podgie", died instantly after hitting his head as he fell 14ft from scaffolding erected next to the new building.
His whole family witnessed the tragedy on July 1.
Now, Mr Fenwick's father, also called Paul, has told how he has been haunted by painful flashbacks ever since.
He said: "I have been diagnosed with PTSD after what I witnessed.
"I am finding it very difficult to cope with what has happened, but I have sought help and I am seeing trained counsellors."
Mr Fenwick senior wanted to speak publicly about his trauma to raise awareness of PTSD, which is relatively common among those who witness traumatic events.
"I would urge anyone who has seen traumatic things not to feel as though they can deal with everything on their own," he said.
"Take it from me, it is impossible to deal with some things yourself.
"It is not a sign of weakness asking for help."
Mr Fenwick junior lived with his partner of 11 years, Ixchel Wilson, 28, their two-year-old son Noah, and newborn daughter, Emilia Chloe, in James Reckitt Avenue, east Hull.
He was nearing the end of his paternity leave from Dove House Hospice, where he was a maintenance officer, when he invited his father and stepmother Lorraine over to view his handiwork.
"I was in a terrible state and I am still finding it very difficult to cope," said Mr Fenwick senior, of Bideford Close, east Hull.
"But I have started to come out of it. I have been seeing counsellors, which has helped me make sense of what has happened.
"I would ask people not to worry about me, because I am in very good hands."
Speaking at the time of the tragedy, Mr Fenwick senior said he took charge of the situation to try to protect the family.
He said: "Noah was there. It was traumatic. Noah ran up to Podgie shouting, 'Daddy, Daddy'.
"I tried to keep everyone calm, as he would have wanted, and got everyone indoors, while we called an ambulance.
"We knew he had died instantly. There was no suffering."
Mr Fenwick senior has thanked the community for their support, both emotional and practical.
"People have been brilliant," he said. "The love our family has been shown has been fantastic."
His son's stepfather, Nick Baldwin, is close to finishing the extension after businesses donated time and labour.
"I have been unable to go back to the house over these past few weeks," said Mr Fenwick senior.
"But I am told Nick and a few other lads are now working on the upstairs part of the extension.
"Within two months or so it should all be done for Ixchel and the children."
Mr Fenwick said his son's partner is also struggling to cope, but is being supported by members of her family.
Anyone who believes they may be suffering from PTSD is advised to visit their GP. Alternatively, self-refer to the Humber Traumatic Stress Service by calling 01482 335000.
What can trigger anxiety disorder? POST-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.The type of events that can cause PTSD include serious road accidents, violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery, and seeing violent deaths.
Symptoms include flashbacks, feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.
NHS Choices' website states PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.
PTSD is estimated to affect about one in every three people who have a traumatic experience.
It is not known why some people develop the condition and others do not.
