"The system is set up against someone like David" Inquest hears much-loved Bamber Bridge man took own life

A ‘kind and genuine’ heating engineer from Bamber Bridge ended his own life after struggling with his mental health and undiagnosed ADHD.

David Henry ended his life in July after battling with mental health difficulties for much of his life.

An inquest today (Thursday November 5) heard that he was awaiting a diagnosis for ADHD at the time of his death and that this had been a particular source of anxiety.

Preston Coroners Court heard that David had left his home in Bamber Bridge on July 15 and was found dead nine days later. Police found no suspicious circumstance and said there was no suggestion anyone else was involved.

Describing the 45-year-old at the inquest, David’s mum said: “He loved the outdoors. He loved mountain biking, he played some golf. He did hiking.

“The last run he did was the three Yorkshire Peaks. He liked to go to the gym, he loved anything like that.”

In a submission to the coroner ahead of the hearing, she said he had worked as a heating engineer and was known to be a hard worker. Specialising in commercial and industrial units, he loved solving problems that others couldn’t.

The inquest heard that David has a long history of mental health difficulties including previous instances of self-harming and overdoses. He had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder and was suspected to have ADHD.

Emma Mather, Area Coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, expressed concern over the diagnosis process for disorder, something David had said felt like it was set up to stop him being able to access help.

She said: “Filling out a form can seem a straight forward thing but for people with ADHD it can be a monumental task. This sometimes is a very difficult form for someone with ADHD to manage.”

Reiterating that she offered no criticism of David for initially not completing the required form at the first request – he eventually did with the help of his daughter – she added:

“I think that the system is set up against someone like David. I really, really feel for him. That situation must have been really difficult”.

With the help of a new GP who helped push for a referral, David had moved closer to a diagnosis but his mental health took a downturn earlier this year and he ended his own life in July. A conclusion of suicide was recorded by Ms Mather and she noted his wait for a diagnosis in the record of inquest.

The news that David had gone missing sparked a strong reaction from the local community, with friends and family contributing to the search efforts. Among the tributes paid after his death, Beam and Brycg in Station Road posted: “Many of us at the Beam heard last night about the devastating passing of Dave Henry, whilst others have woken up to this heartbreaking news this morning.

“Dave was a kind and genuine man with a beautiful soul, who was loved and respected by so many. His passing has left a hole in the heart of the Beam which will never be filled.

“We would like to send our deepest condolences to all of Dave’s family and friends. Rest in eternal peace our friend. We ask that you please respect others in the coming days who are in mourning and raise a glass to Dave if you pop in. May God bless you Dave.”

After his death, a minute’s silence was held before Bamber Bridge’s friendly against Lostock St Gerards.