First Dates viewers in tears over one dater's tragic story

From Digital Spy

First Dates viewers were left in tears during Thursday's Valentine's Day special as one dater shared a tragic story.

57-year-old Lincoln opened up about how he turned to drugs and alcohol after his son and father died in the same week.

Lincoln admitted that grief caused him to waste almost two decades of his life, and that he only managed to get out of his slump two years ago.

Asked by his date Chi-Chi if he has any children, he replied: "One would be 37 this year, my other boy is 16 and doing really well. My first one passed away."

Lincoln revealed that he tragically lost his son in a shock accident after he was hit by a car.

"He was coming home from school, he was running out and got hit by a car," he said. "The next minute I am standing there looking over his body. You're left with just a hole."

Related: 7 celebrities you forgot did First Dates

Lincoln then went on to share that he lost his father just a few days later, saying: "My son died on the Monday, then my dad passed away on the Friday night, Saturday morning.

"I started taking drugs and drinking and not coping with everyday life. It got to the point where I just didn't think about what I was doing. 16 years I wasn't there, even though I got up every morning and went to work.

"It all changed maybe two, three years ago... I just got to a point where I felt I wanted something better. I was slowly putting myself back together, it took me 16 years but I am ready to rise again."

Viewers were in floods of tears as Lincoln told his story to Chi-Chi, with many taking to Twitter to share their heartache.

And on a positive note, Lincoln and Chi-Chi really hit it off on their date and agreed to see each other again.

First Dates airs on Channel 4.

For more on drug addiction and dependency, including information and support, please visit FRANK or Action on Addiction.

Alcohol Concern offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Concern’s website. Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).

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