A grief-stricken mum who lost her son to suicide less than two years ago took her own life as the "pain was too great", says her heartbroken widow.

Marie O'Leary, 46, was tragically found dead near a BMX track in Broomfield, near Herne Bay, on Monday afternoon.

She had been reported missing the day before, with concerned loved ones and the police appealing to the public to help find her.

The mother-of-three from Hersden - described as a "loving and caring person" - was grieving the death of her son Aaron Jermy, who took his own life aged 22 in 2020.

She had used the tragedy to raise awareness of male suicide, and urge those experiencing mental health difficulties to speak out and seek help.

But sadly for Marie, the struggle of life without her youngest son proved too difficult.

Speaking to KentOnline, her widow, Samantha O'Leary, said: "During the two years since Aaron died she got therapy and lots of support, but I just think the pain was too great for her.

"She tried everything that was offered but it wasn't enough; sadly she couldn't cope with the loss.

"Since Aaron died she could not get over it. She struggled with life.

"She never got any answers and that is what made life so hard. Being left with lots of questions is difficult.

"Now I've got all the unanswered questions, but I can take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Aaron and is at peace."

Aaron took his own life while experiencing drug-induced psychosis in a field in St Martin’s Hill, Canterbury, in the early hours of December 17, 2020.

Following his death, Marie bravely spoke out, calling for “more to be done” for people with mental health issues.

In an interview with KentOnline last year, she discussed how it is paramount that people seek help.

“Just talk - open up," she said. "Because this is where it can lead to, and I don’t want anyone else to go through this.

“I know Aaron had a mental health illness, although it was never properly diagnosed.

“I used to beg him that he needed help. I had talks with him, I screamed at him, I cried at him.

“I always said to Aaron ‘I can support you, but you’ve got to help yourself’.

“But he would always refuse. He would never go to the follow-up appointments.”

“I had a text from him at 1.24am to say ‘I love you mum, I’m sorry I’m a disappointment, and don’t mourn too long."

Aaron's death continued to haunt Marie, who was last seen at 6pm on Sunday after growing increasingly upset over the loss of her son.

Her family - who say they knew "something was wrong" - reported her missing at 8pm and searched throughout the night.

"I just think the pain was too great for her..."

Police issued a public appeal along with a CCTV image of Marie as they upped efforts to find her on Monday morning.

Sadly, however, her body was found off Ford Hill in Broomfield, near to where her car had been left near a BMX track.

Paying tribute to her wife of four years, Samantha said: "Marie was such a loving and caring person who wanted to make a difference.

"She always put everyone else first, no matter what. Everyone loved her and she always had a smile on her face.

"She was all about helping people and had done care and community work for 20 years.

"Marie would really want to let people know what suicide does to the people that are left behind.

"Anyone who is struggling should talk about it and speak up no matter the issue.

"She really wanted to raise awareness and she did that. She helped raise more than £5,000 for the charity Mind and encouraged people to speak up and not suffer in silence.

"I want to thank everyone who has responded since the news broke. Everyone is very grateful for all of the messages and support - it really does help."

Paying tribute on Facebook, Marie's sister, Sarah Jarvis, wrote: "My sister Marie, I love you, sweet dreams.

"We wouldn’t stop until you was found.

"Fly high, find your paradise & find Aaron."

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.