A GRIEVING partner took his own life after struggling to cope with the death of his fiancee, an inquest heard.

Nicholas Hursthouse was found dead at his home after taking an overdose.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard that just weeks before he was found, Mr Hursthouse’s fiancee Kendal Simmons, 30, had died following a battle with ovarian cancer.

The inquest heard following treatment last year, Ms Simmons was discharged from hospital, but the cancer returned in December and she was given just weeks to live. She died at Countess Mountbatten Hospice on January 22.

His dad, Peter Hursthouse, said after the funeral he became “very quiet” and “closed”, but added that he got on with sorting out Ms Simmons’ affairs. His mum Catherine Hursthouse raised concerns about the bereavement support offered by the hospice.

The 27-year-old was due to return to work on February 26, but after failing to meet a colleague concerns were raised.

Police broke down the door at his home in Siskin Close, Bishop’s Waltham, and found Mr Hursthouse dead with a number of notes.

Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri confirmed he had died after taking the cancer medication prescribed to Ms Simmons. Coroner Grahame Short recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Following the inquest a spokesman for the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospice, said: “This was a tragic series of events for everyone concerned and our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mrs Hursthouse and the families involved.

“Mr Hursthouse was supported by staff during Ms Simmons’ time at Countess Mountbatten House and at a bereavement interview shortly after her passing. Following the concerns raised by Mrs Hursthouse however, we are reviewing the support offered.”