A FORMER lecturer and writer from Llandysul took his own life while suffering from depression, an inquest has heard.

Eighty-year-old Harold Maurice Alvan Keens-Soper died from self-inflicted knife wounds in a summer house at his home at Capel Dewi on November 14 last year.

The inquest at Aberystwyth Justice Centre heard that Mr Keens-Soper had twice before tried to take his own life.

One of his daughters had taken her own life six years ago, while three years ago, Mr Keens-Soper had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“It was not possible to cure it but it was manageable with treatment,” his wife Wendy told the inquest.

“Over time, he found that very difficult and it affected him. He was very sad and anxious and struggled with the treatment.”

Mr Keen-Soper was diagnosed with depression last year and twice had made attempts to end his life, once ending up in hospital.

“The events of the last few years of his life all combined to a downward decline and he was very depressed,” added Mrs Keens-Soper. “I have no doubt he intended to take his own life.”

Ceredigion coroner Peter Brunton recorded a conclusion of suicide while suffering from severe depressive illness.

If you need help, call Samaritans Cymru for free, 24 hours a day, seven days week on 116 123, or the Welsh language line on 0808 164 0123.