A dad-of-seven filmed an emotional video message telling his family he was sorry before hanging himself, an inquest heard.

Christopher McCarron was found hanging in the stairwelll of his Chipstead home by his ex-partner, Caroline George, in March.

The inquest heard the 39-year-old, who moved to Sevenoaks from Ireland in 2011, had battled depression for a number of years.

He received psychaitric treatment in Ireland after suffering a breakdown while on a family holiday in Belgium.

He was well known on the Sevenoaks rugby scene and coached football for youngsters in the area.

After his body was discovered, police found a note in the study of his Stanhope Way property which said "I'm sorry" to Caroline, his children and his father. A four-minute clip which had been filmed on his mobile phone was also discovered.

In it he explained why he took his own life and assured loved ones it was his decision.

Mr McCarron grew up in Lurgan, County Armagh with his two brothers before moving to England.

Inspector James Derham, from Kent Police, said an investigation found there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Coroner Roger Hatch recorded a suicide verdict.

He is survived by his seven children Jolene, Caoimhe, Fionnuala, Molly, Oliver, Emily and Rory.

Mr McCarron's brother, Aidan, said: "I was very close to him and he was a very good father and a good brother. There was only a year between us and we were joined at the hip, we were like twins.

"He was an amazing man who looked after his friends and family. His pain has ended now but I will miss him.

"It was a big shock to learn of his death and it has left a big gap in all of our lives."

On May 31 a family fun day was held in Mr McCarron's memory. Following a number of fundraising events and donations from friends and family, more than £4,000 has been raised for Sevenoaks Area Mind through a JustGiving page.

"A lot of people see it as a choice and it's not. I would ask for everyone, men especially, to talk to a friend or a charity about it." Caroline George - Chris' ex partner

The organisation helps those with mental health issues and at the time of his death, staff paid tribute to Mr McCarron.

Ex partner Caroline George said: "He was a fun person that would help anybody that would need it. He was a typical Irish man who was really into his sport.

"Everyone has commented on how helpful and friendly he was.

"I hope that this can raise awareness about mental health. It's a subject that's not spoken about and isn't seen as an illness.

"A lot of people see it as a choice and it's not. I would ask for everyone, men especially, to talk to a friend or a charity about it."

Jenny Godfrey, community development director, added: "Chris was a great supporter of West Kent Mind and helped make events such as our golf day and pub quiz nights fun and humorous.

"He will be missed by us all and also by so many people in the local community that he was such a big part of. We are grateful to all those that have donated to our charity in Chris’s memory. We will certainly put the money raised to good use supporting people in the West Kent area experiencing mental health problems.”

If something is troubling you call the Samaritans helpline on 0845 790 9090.

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