Loved ones of homeless man William Cunningham, who took his own life, forge unique testament to his memory

William Cunningham died a homeless man, battling undiagnosed mental health concerns. But his legacy lives on in a unique way supporting Adelaide’s rough sleepers.

Cathy Cunningham with a photograph of her son, William Cunningham, and surrounded by clothes she delivers to the homeless for the William’s Wardrobe charity established in her son’s honour. Picture: Matt Turner.

William Cunningham was homeless and unknowingly battling mental health concerns when he took his own life at 25-years-old.

He moved out of his family home in 2017 and began living on the streets of the Adelaide CBD the following year.

Since that painful day, William’s mother Cathy Cunningham hardly spoke to her son, who she lovingly called “Billy”, only hearing from him on a number of occasions before she was notified of his death on February 29, 2020.

“More than two years on and I haven’t had to come across the day yet,” Mrs Cunningham said of the leap year date.

But it was in this time a story of unimaginable loss became that of compassion, healing and the making of an organisation that would make a difference in the lives of Adelaide’s rough sleepers.

William Cunningham was homeless when he took his own life in 2020. Picture: Supplied

Cathy Cunningham and William Cunningham. Picture: Supplied

William was born in Adelaide but spent his younger years in Scotland with his mother and extended family.

He was proud of his heritage and enjoyed visiting the country after his family returned to Australia.

He was an energetic child with a passion for BMX, camping and playing the guitar.

However, accompanying those traits was a desire to march to the beat of his own drum.

Ms Cunningham said William had his own set of rules and did not like to follow instructions, which she describes as a “glimpse” into his future turmoil.

Cathy Cunningham and Hazel Spence visit the CBD every Wednesday night to deliver clothing and other goods to Adelaide’s homeless. Picture: Matt Turner

Ms Cunningham believes signs of William’s mental ill health began in high school, but went undiagnosed.

He faced troubles at school and at home that led to an increase in behavioural problems.

He didn’t acknowledge his actions as a cause for concern, despite showing signs of paranoia and a tendency to engage in conspiracy theories.

“He thought he was in The Truman Show,” she said.

“He didn’t trust the government and couldn’t make sense of coincidences.”

These conclusions led to William dropping out of school and eventually refusing to work.

“He struggled to fit in with society,” Ms Cunningham said.

William spent his last moments near his childhood home in the Adelaide Hills.

“He must have had fond memories there,” Ms Cunningham said.

William’s memorial was held at a park in the Adelaide CBD, where Ms Cunningham met William’s “street Mum” Hazel Spence.

Ms Spence first encountered William while volunteering at not-for-profit charity Cos We Care when he offered to help unload clothing donated to the cause.

The pair soon became good friends and Ms Spence put aside special items in a crate just for William – they joked it was like his own wardrobe.

“William was like my second son and losing him was earth shattering,” she said.

“I kept an eye on him because he didn’t like to carry around more than a backpack … he didn’t want people to know he was homeless.

“We started William’s Wardrobe without realising it.”

Now, every Wednesday night, a black sedan is packed to the brim with clothes, shoes, toiletries, sleeping bags and other essentials to be given to Adelaide’s rough sleepers.

The street community know the team and look forward to their weekly visits.

Cathy Cunningham and Hazel Spence making their rounds for William’s Wardrobe. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Ms Cunningham believes society is in denial about mental health.

“People don’t like the word mental health, there’s a stigma attached to it,” she said.

“Once you suggest to somebody they have mental health issues, they don’t want to address it.

“There needs to be another word for it … at William’s Wardrobe we are trying to steer towards the phrase ‘peaceful mind’”.

Two and half years on, Ms Cunningham and Ms Spence still make their rounds in the same black sedan – on the door, a logo with a guitar and angel wings in honour of their son and friend.