A HUGELY popular young Barrow man left heartbroken after he broke up with his first long-term girlfriend took his own life, a coroner has ruled.

A two-hour inquest heard a poignant statement from the grief-stricken mother of 24-year-old Samuel Birkby, whose body was found on the beachfront near Teasdale Road on Walney, on April 23 last year.

He had hanged himself.

Cumbria's Assistant coroner Craig Smith was told how Mr Birkby - who was part of a loving, close-knit family - went missing on the morning of the day he died after an argument with his father. As he was leaving home, he made a comment about wanting to kill himself.

A search team found him near the top of the beach shortly after 2pm, in an area concealed from public view. Despite efforts to resuscitate him that continued for 15 minutes, he was declared dead at the scene.

The inquest began with a statement from Mr Birkby's mother Susan Birkby.

Throughout his childhood, he was boisterous, cheeky and playful, and loved the outdoors and cars. He loved to go walking, climbing and abseiling with his father. Mr Birkby took college courses in car mechanics and bricklaying, and moved into his own flat when he was 18..

In January, 2014, Mr Birkby met a girl and they were in a relationship for two years. "He was totally in love with her," said Mrs Birkby, saying her son was like a father to his partner's daughter. But in 2015, the couple split up.

"I don't believe he ever got over it," said Mrs Birkby. She said her son, who returned to the family home, never struggled with his mental health. In September 2018 he went through another relationship break up. Feeling low he attempted to overdose.

His mother did all she could to help him and His GP prescribed him antidepressants. He started feeling better and thinking he no longer needed the tablets, said Mrs Birkby. "He was of the opinion it was for losers and he didn't need help.

"I think the breakdown of his relationship...broke him. It was his first serious relationship. He was in love and he thought she was the one. Any other relationship he had was not like this. I feel that he never got over losing his first love. I was very close to Samuel: he was my first son but also my close friend.

"He could talk to me and come to me for advice." More than 500 people went to his funeral.

Mrs Birkby added: "Samuel was so loved and could make friends anywhere. You just had to like him. You couldn't help it. He was a loving, caring son and I never expected this to happen. Even now, it doesn't seem real."

Mr Smith said certain factors - including Mr Birkby's comment as he left home, and the out-of-sight location where he was found - led him to the conclusion he killed himself.

Where to find help: You can call The Samaritans free 24-hour helpline on 116 123; Mind in Furness on 01229 827094); Ulverston Mind on 01229 581578; and South Lakeland Mind on 01539 740591). For those affected by suicide contact the SOBS support group www. uksobs.org or call 0300 111 5065'; for children affected by suicide the Child Bereavement UK helpline is 0800 02 888 40.