by Jamie Bullen

A rallycross driver hanged himself in his garden shed hours after texting his ex-girlfriend to wish her a happy birthday, an inquest heard.

Ryan Lawford, 26, was found by his father Martin at his home in Blean, but his family still have no idea why he decided to take his own life.

Canterbury Coroner's Court heard Mr Lawford had a promising career ahead of him as a racing driver and worked as a motorsport technician.

The former Chaucer School pupil (pictured right) had been in a relationship with Sheryll Thicke until it ended last April, but the pair remained in contact.

Sobbing uncontrollably, Miss Thicke told the court Mr Lawford had texted her to say happy birthday the day before he was found dead.

She added he had become more needy after discovering she had found work abroad.

During the hearing, Miss Thicke was handed a note found in Mr Lawford's bedroom by police. It was not read out in court.

The last relative to see Mr Lawford alive was his uncle Simon Wilson.

Mr Lawford had gone to his home the day before he died to help redecorate.

In a statement read out in court, Mr Wilson said: "I would see or speak to Ryan every week.

"On January 5 we spoke on the phone and were having a laugh over the football. He was a Manchester United fan.

"he had a promising career as a racing driver and his family and friends loved and cared for him..." – uncle simon wilson

"He said he would come around for a chat. He left a couple of hours later and was planning to see a friend. That was the last time I saw him.

"He had a promising career as a racing driver and his family and friends loved and cared for him.

"If they knew he was in trouble they would have dropped everything to help."

Pathologist Dr Salim Anjarwalla said tests showed their were no traces of drugs or alcohol in Mr Lawford's system at the time of his death.

Father Martin said the family had no indication that his son wanted to take his own life.

Coroner Rebecca Cobb said: "I's satisfied with the absence of drugs or alcohol and the fact he knew his parents were not going to be around that he intended to take his own life."

She recorded a verdict of suicide.