An unhappy widower was discovered hanging in the garage by his distraught daughter, an inquest heard.

Terence Courtney, an 85-year-old retired insurance surveyor, left in the kitchen a handwritten note to his three children before taking his own life on September 3 at his home in The Drive, Morden.

His daughter, Sheila Hutton from Carshalton, made the tragic discovery after calling round at his house, Westminster Coroner’s Court was told on November 16.

Before giving a verdict of suicide, Assistant Deputy Coroner, Angela Hodes, told the court how Mr Courtney’s doctors believed he was of sound mind but had begun to struggle after recently suffering a heart attack.

The court also heard how Mr Courtney had recently lost his wife after a long battle with cancer which ended a marriage of 49 years.

The coroner’s officer, Miss Rosalind Tolson, said: “The family felt he had been through a lot in the last year with his heart and obviously found it very difficult to continue.”

Did you know Mr Courtney and would like to pay tribute to him? Leave a comment below or contact Omar by calling 020 8722 6335; tweeting @OmarOakes or emailing: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.