A TERMINALLY ill couple “couldn’t bear to be without each other” died sealed in their beloved summer house, an inquest heard.
Robert and Patricia Lloyd, aged 84 and 80, were discovered in the outbuilding “looking out into the garden they loved”.
West Mercia PoliceRobert and Patricia were found dead at their home[/caption]
The devoted couple’s causes of death were consistent with the inhalation of gas, an inquest heard.
Paying tribute, their daughter Sarah Davis said: “I take comfort they are together and at peace.
“They were wonderful parents and were both terminally ill.
“They couldn’t bear the thought of one not being there. I miss them every day.”
Shrewsbury Coroner’s Court was told Robert had lung cancer, while Patricia had been diagnosed with dementia and a brain tumour.
On June 1 last year, retired police sergeant Robert picked his wife up from her care home, which was not out of the ordinary.
But the alarm was raised when he failed to return Patricia by 6pm – causing a care worker and her husband to attend the couple’s home in Bayston Hill.
They tragically discovered Robert and Patricia dead in the locked summer house.
The inquest was told there was no sign of injury or trauma or third party involvement.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Daughter Sarah said she had spoken to her parents on Facetime at around 11am and said they both seemed positive.
She said her mum, a retired teaching assistant, seemed particularly happy in the call.
Sarah added: “In hindsight I believe my mum knew it was the last time we’d speak.”
Senior Coroner John Ellery ruled Robert had died as a result of suicide but recorded a narrative verdict for Patricia.
He said: “They loved each other unconditionally.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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