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'Adored and loved' Tunbridge Wells dad took his own life over mental health battle

By: Sean McPolin smcpolin@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 13 December 2022

Updated: 12:14, 17 December 2022

An adored father, family member and friend took his own life after struggling with his mental health.

Ian Hart, 42, was found dead at his home in Newcomen Road, Tunbridge Wells, on July 13 after police were called by concerned staff from the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust.

Ian Hart leaves behind two young sons. Picture: JustGiving

The father-of-two had a history of mental health issues and was described as an "exceptional business intellect" who had recently graduated from the London Business School.

Following the tragic death, more than £10,000 has been raised in memory of Mr Hart after his wife Shireen set up a fundraiser.

Mrs Hart explained on the JustGiving page that the family are raising funds in his name to help other men, dads, brothers, fathers, sons and grandfather seek therapeutic help for mental health.

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She said: "Ian's mental health had deteriorated in his final months, and he took his own life.

"Every pound raised in Ian's memory will form the Ian Hart Memorial Fund and be used by Tunbridge Wells Counselling Centre to fund and subsidise counselling sessions for men in need of mental health care."

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Ian Hart, 42, from Tunbridge Wells, took his own life. Picture: Facebook
Ian Hart had just graduated from the London Business School

Ian leaves behind his wife and two sons.

Mrs Hart added: "One in eight men in the UK will suffer from poor mental health at some point in their lives and talking, or seeking counselling, is not always simple or affordable.

"This remembrance campaign aims to help support more men in gaining access to counselling support.

"This will be possible by working with the Tunbridge Wells Counselling Centre, a community-based charity, established over 32 years ago, to offer highly professional, accredited and affordable counselling to those who may not otherwise be able to access it.

"They offer a counselling service which is rarely available via the NHS.

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"Their highly trained volunteers support 200+ people per week, with a broad range of concerns, to improve mental health and wellbeing.

"The centre was of significant importance to Ian as he played an active role in supporting its growth; from strategic advice to practical help around the centre."

An inquest at County Hall in Maidstone last month heard how Mr Hart had previously attempted to take his own life six weeks before he died.

A post mortem revealed his cause of death was hanging.

Coroner Roger Hatch heard evidence how his family were a protective factor for him.

Mr Hart had previously been given a provisional diagnosis of bipolar disorder and had long-standing depression and anxiety.

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