Will Young says caring for his twin brother Rupert became ‘too much’

Rupert Young died on 2 August this year after struggling with depression and addiction, inquest told

Will Young (right) with his brother Rupert in 2008 (Getty Images)

Will Young has told an inquest into his twin brother’s death about the struggles he faced while trying to care for him.

Rupert Young struggled with depression and addiction, and had threatened or attempted to take his own life on several occasions, the pop singer said, according to The Times.

“I was a carer for him but it became too much. He could not look after himself and I did not believe he could look after his own life,” Will Young told Poplar coroner’s court.

“I feel it is difficult for me. I am someone who is pretty in control over my emotional wellbeing. I am a functional adult. I have done a lot of work on myself.”

He said that after years of trying to care for Rupert, he became overwhelmed and felt he had to get police involved to have him removed from his house. His brother died shortly after.

“Rupert struggled with depression and anxiety, I would say for 20 years,” The Times quoted Will Young as saying.

“Over that time, more times than I can think of, there have been suicide attempts or suicide ideation,” he added.

The Daily Mirror quoted him as saying that Rupert had lived with him on and off for three years and had no other support system.

“I couldn’t live in the house any more. It had gone beyond my means and it was affecting my wellbeing,” he said.

Will Young’s brother Rupert died in August this year (Getty Images)

Will Young was also reported as saying the coronavirus pandemic had affected his brother’s state of mind because the 41-year-old, who was an animal lover, was unable to be around horses.

Asked what help he thought his brother needed, Will Young said: “I think he needed professional help, 100 per cent. Before shelter, or addiction services, 100 per cent.”

The inquest continues.

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