AN outgoing bowls player took his own life after illness hindered his mobility, an inquest heard.

Norman Thomas Kendall, 76, was found dead by his wife at their home in St Aubin’s Avenue, Sholing, in October last year.

His inquest, at Southampton Coroner’s Court, was told how Mr Kendall was a “proud and hardworking man” who was always active and enjoyed playing bowls before his health deteriorated.

A GP report said Mr Kendall had a long episode of depression brought on by back pain and he suffered from an ever-lowering lung capacity, which left him short of breath.

Dr Norman Carr, pathologist at Southampton General Hospital, said Mr Kendall suffered from severe lung disease and samples taken from his lungs were consistent with asbestos.

Recording a verdict that Mr Kendall took his own life, Southampton coroner Keith Wiseman said: “Sadly the evidence is straightforward. Clearly Mr Kendall’s state of health was causing him enormous difficulties from a medical point of view and the effect it had on him generally.”