A ‘FIT’ and ‘active’ 67-year-old took his own life after a 10-month battle with cancer, an inquest into his death has heard.

Ronald Philip Dowthwaite, known to friends and family as Phil, suffocated himself in November last year after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in January 2016.

At an inquest into his death, Dr Janet Napier, assistant coroner for Cheshire, praised the bravery of Mr Dowthwaite and the commitment of his wife, Jean, after hearing of the treatment he received.

The inquest heard that after four months of chemotherapy Mr Dowthwaite appeared to be in remission, until a severe relapse at the end of September.

Dr Napier also heard from Mrs Dowthwaite and doctors at Toft Road Surgery and the Christie Hospital that, throughout his treatment, Mr Dowthwaite had suffered with anxiety and depression.

On November 4, he took his own life in his home in Lynton Close, leaving a note. No alcohol was in his system.

Addressing Mrs Dowthwaite, Dr Napier said: “What a brave man he was.

“He had a terrible, terrible illness and was told he didn’t have long to live – he wasn’t stupid.

“You did your utmost and couldn’t have done any more. He made his decision and intended to take his own life. I offer my sincere condolences.”

Mrs Dowthwaite was also praised by staff at the Christie for her dedication during the treatment.

She said the illness had come about ‘very suddenly’, and that her husband was a ‘clever’ man who worked in technology with a bank.

After retiring, he took up hobbies and remained active and healthy, rarely attending the doctor’s surgery before his illness and then suffering with anxiety and insomnia as his lifestyle drastically changed.

Dr Napier recorded a cause of death of suffocation, and a verdict of suicide.