A former Ulverston Victoria High School technician took his life after considering doing so for years following the death of his father, an inquest heard.

David Wearing died at the age of 64 at his home in Burlington Street in Ulverston on February 18 after writing a note to his brother George in Cornwall, informing him of his intentions, the Coroner’s Court in Cockermouth was told.

“He was an accomplished mountaineer in the Lake District and had even been climbing in the Alps,” his brother George Wearing said in a statement.

“He was an avid reader and did not own a television and was quite interested in politics.

“He had an issue with his knee and it would have impacted on his climbing.

“He decided this was no longer a world he wanted to be in and decided to take his own life.”

His mountaineering and climbing is what he was well known for at UVHS for his involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Speaking at the time of Mr Wearing's death, headteacher Matt Hardwick said: “Dave was a wonderful, dedicated member of staff who had worked at the school for more than 30 years.

“Although employed as a member of support staff, Dave spent much of his day working with students, teaching them how to use different machines or turning their designs into reality.

“He was also very heavily involved in the life of the school, through his music and also the support he gave to the Duke of Edinburgh programme, having a positive effect on the experience our children have at UVHS.

"Dave was the kind of person that made the world work the way it should.

“Dave was a true gentleman; he will be greatly missed for his wisdom, his generosity and his humour."

In his conclusion, coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw suggested that the coronavirus lockdown had a part to play in Mr Wearing’s decision and that this was something the court had seen more of in recent months. He gave a conclusion of death by way of suicide.

Speaking after the inquest, Chris Wood, development manager at Every Life Matters said: "Research tells us that while most people have remained resilient through the Covid-19 pandemic, others have really struggled, and particularly where the impact of the pandemic has been experienced alongside other challenging life events, financial hardship or long term physical or mental health conditions. These groups of people are particularly vulnerable to the type of catastrophic loss of hope that leads someone to consider suicide as a way to solve their problems, or to stop their pain.

"We know that the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to have a considerable impact on some peoples wellbeing and mental health, well past the ending of restrictions. Whether that’s related to the economic fallout, or the lasting societal changes the pandemic has bought about.

Its time to talk: So says Chris Wood, of Every Life Matters, Cumbria

It's time to talk: So says Chris Wood, of Every Life Matters, Cumbria

"So it’s more important than ever as lockdown eases that we take care of, and check in with those around us. Whether that’s friends, family, colleagues or neighbours. Some of us find it hard to ask for help or to say when we are struggling, so don’t be content with an ‘I’m alright mate’. Trust your gut instincts, if you are worried about someone be helpfully nosey and ask them again, “Are you really OK? I’m worried about you.” Offering a listening ear can be the start of the journey for that person to start getting the help they need, and could even save a life.

"And if you are struggling to cope during lockdown, or are having thoughts of suicide please be assured there are many organisations out there who want to help. Visit our website for more information on where to begin."

If you, or someone you know, is having a mental health crisis then call:

North Cumbria NHS Universal Mental Health Crisis Line: 0800 652 2865

South Cumbria NHS Urgent Mental Health Support Line: 0800 953 0110

Samaritans 116 123

SHOUT: Text Shout to 85258

MindLine Cumbria: 0300 561 0000 text Mind to 81066.