A 68-year-old man took his own life after being told he was going to be evicted from his home following the death of his partner. Retired Andrew Wood was devastated when his partner, Cynthia, died and he was left alone - and was then told he would have to leave the council property he had shared with Cynthia for decades because it was in her name.
An inquest heard how Mr Wood was found dead at their home in January this year, weeks after Cynthia's death.
It was heard he'd been struggling with the loss and with the news that he would need to leave their home, reports CornwallLive. His partner's daughter said "he felt he had nothing to live for" as her mum "was his world".
His brother Alistair Wood said Andy had moved to live with Cynthia in 1977. He was described as a "bright" and "generous" man.
Cynthia's daughter, Sonia Jones, said her mother died in December last year after being admitted to hospital as a result of a long-term health condition. she said that Andy had expected her to come home, but she never did.
"Her death left Andy feeling devastated," she said. "My mother and Andy had been in a relationship for 46 years and lived together in St Ives."
She said Andy was also her mother's carer, adding: "He did everything for my mother and he doted on her. She was his world and he loved her with all of his heart. When my mother died Andy was left heartbroken and said she was the best person he'd ever met and she was his one and only best friend."
Sonia added: "I believe Andy could not cope with living without my mother. I think he felt like he had nothing to live for and was told by housing that he needed to move out of his home because it was in my mother's name.
"I think the idea of him moving everything he knew caused him to feel desperate and he couldn't face starting a new life for himself."
Coroner Emma Hillson concluded it was a death by suicide, saying Andy made deliberate and intentional actions to take his own life and that he most likely died on January 1, 2023.
Where to get help
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
Pete's Dragons (01395 277780) provides specialist support and advice for those affected by suicide in any way via telephone or email at admin@petesdragons.org.uk.
Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation which speaks openly about suicide and supports teenagers and young adults who have may suicidal thoughts. You can also get in contact with Papyrus via text on 07786 209697 or email via pat@papyrus-uk.org.
The opening hours are as follows; 9am – 10pm weekdays, 2pm – 10pm weekends, 2pm – 10pm bank holidays.
Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information. http://www.depressionalliance.org/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying. http://studentsagainstdepression.org/
Andy's Man Club now has multiple groups across the UK. It provides men with a safe, non-judgemental, confidential place to chat and get stuff off your chest. To gain access during lockdown, any man over 18 can email info@andysmanclub.co.uk.
SHOUT (85258) is a 24/7 UK crisis text service available for times when people feel they need immediate support.
By texting ‘SHOUT’ to ‘85258’ a Texter will be put in touch with a trained Crisis Volunteer (CV) who will chat to them using trained techniques via text. To get help or find out more about how Shout works, visit the Get Help page.
