Family of Weston man hope lessons are learned from his death following inquest in Lincoln
The family of a 46-year-old man are hoping that lessons are learned from his death.
Stephen Martin, of Weston, was found dead at home on January 18, 2019. An inquest into his death was held in Lincoln earlier today.
Mr Martin's wife Sarah, who was supported by medical negligence experts from Irwin Mitchell, has paid tribute to her husband but hopes other families do not go through a similar experience.
She said: "Steve was a loyal, reliable, loving and dependable man. He loved his family and lived for his children, Lauren and Oliver. He was a real people person and had always been really outgoing.
“When he began to struggle with his mental health, it was really hard on us all and we thought that him being admitted to hospital would be the best thing and would make sure he received the care he needed to come back home to his family. I never once thought he would take his own life.
"More than three years on, it’s still a huge shock to me and some days I still struggle to cope with the grief.
“While the inquest has been tough, having to relive everything, I’m grateful that it’s now over. I want to raise awareness of the fact that mental illness doesn’t discriminate and anyone can be affected by it
"While nothing will turn back the clock and bring Steve back, I hope that something is learned from what we’ve been through so other families don’t have to suffer like us."
Rosie Charlton, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Sarah, said: “Losing Steve so suddenly and tragically continues to have a profound effect on his loved ones and for more than three years they have had questions about the events leading to his death. Sarah has understandably struggled to come to terms with her husband’s death and reliving everything at the inquest has been incredibly difficult for her.
“Mental illness can leave people extremely vulnerable and it is important that the best possible support is available. It’s now vital that any lessons are learned to help improve patient safety so other families don’t have to go through what Steve’s family have.
“We’ll continue to support Sarah as she attempts to come to terms with her loss.”