A ‘LOVELY’ and ‘kind’ father took his own life after reaching out for help, an inquest has heard.

Nicolo Guiseppe Marchese, 41, was found dead in his home on May 20.

An inquest at Preston Coroner's Court heard how Nicolo, who was a builder, was found in the dining room by his girlfriend’s father at about 6.30am.

Nicolo was described in a statement by his wife Julie Marchese as a ‘lovely, kind, thoughtful and funny man’ but she acknowledged that he had ‘low self-esteem’ that she wanted to help him with.

Sadly, the marriage fell apart and the couple separated which led to Nicolo moving out and he started a relationship with another woman.

His death has also sparked the start of a campaign by community group, the Shad Chefs, which is asking men who are having suicidal thoughts to reach out to someone for help.

The campaign has seen several posters created which say the campaign is ‘in memory of Nicolo Marchese’.

On May 20, Sgt Dave Mullen was called to Nicolo’s house on School Lane, Guide, after he was found, with the officer saying that there were no signs of any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

The previous day, Nicolo had contacted his GP for assistance with his mental health but GP Dr Karen Tom had reflected that he was not at risk of suicide.

A statement written by her and read by Coroner Richard Taylor said: “I did not assess him to be of a high risk of suicide.

“He seemed to be amenable to try counselling.”

Nicolo had attempted to take his life twice before, once in February 2021 when an ambulance took him to hospital, and another time in April 2021 however he refused to be taken to hospital on this occasion.

His visit to hospital in February saw him speak with a mental health team who deemed him to be ‘engaged, reflective and understanding’.

In April, the paramedics referred Nicolo to the Lancashire and South Cumbria Start team, who try to engage people and improve their mental health.

Despite the guidelines saying they should try to contact someone to engage within 10 days, Nicolo did not get contact from the team for 20 days.

After Nicolo’s death, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust launched an investigation to see how they can help people struggling get more engaged in mental health support.

Pathologist Dr Mark Sissons assessed that Mr Marchese’s injuries were ‘consistent with death by hanging’.

Coroner Richard Taylor said: “This to me is not an accident. On balance it is a deliberate act.”

Mr Taylor returned a verdict of suicide.

Anyone struggling with their mental health can contact services such as the Samaritans’ free helpline on 116 123.