A sensitive man was convinced he had cancer before taking his own life, an inquest has heard. Nicholas Odgers, 70, went missing from his home and sparked a two-day police search.
Devon and Cornwall Police issued an urgent appeal after the retired bank worker was reported missing from the Falmouth area, where he had lived all his life, on December 8, 2023.
An inquest held on Wednesday, June 19, at Cornwall Coroner's Court in Truro, heard he had deteriorating mental health and believed he was suffering from bowel cancer. He was in talks with medical professionals about treatment options, although no formal diagnosis had been made.
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Mr Odgers had told his sister months previous that he felt he was "too old" for treatment if he did have cancer and probably wouldn't bother. Three weeks before his death he'd asked a neighbour to contact his sister if he ever noticed that Mr Odgers' curtains weren't open.
The neighbour did this on the day he was reported missing which sparked an extensive search across Falmouth focusing on areas where he was known to frequent. Despite their efforts police officers were unable to locate him.
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On December 10, his body was found by a taxi driver parked up in the Adult Education Centre. The driver was aware of the missing man due to a report on CornwallLive and recognised the vehicle's registration number from the article.
The car had a note taped on the side of the vehicle warning of 'danger' and saying 'carbon monoxide' and 'call 999'. he called emergency services and checked for a pulse but the man was already deceased inside the vehicle.
Jane Goldsworthy, sister and next of kin said her brother was a "sensitive" and "private" man who never married and had spent his life in Falmouth, where they stayed in contact and he had friends and enjoyed drinking in the local pub.
She said he had a happy upbringing in Cornwall and worked for Lloyds for many years where their father worked as the bank manager. At the time of his death, she said her brother was concerned about worsening cancer symptoms and believed he had both bowel and lung cancer, also mentioning liver cancer at one point.
Do you need someone to talk to?
There are a range of local and national organisations which can provide emotional support over the telephone or internet.
Do you need someone to talk to?
There are a range of local and national organisations which can provide emotional support over the telephone or internet.
24/7 NHS Mental health response line
For support and advice. Call free any time, day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. The team behind the 24/7 open access telephone response line will listen to you and determine how best to help. t: 0800 038 5300 (free) 24 hours a day
Samaritans
Emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. t: 116 123 24 hours a day e: [email protected]
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies
NHS talking therapies (previously Outlook South West) for people with anxiety and depression – call 01208 871905 for people aged 16+ years.
Suicide Liaison Service
A service delivered by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to provide support to adults over 18 years old who are bereaved by suicide - www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/suicide-liaison-service
Man Down
Supporting men's mental health in Cornwall - www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk
‘We are with you’
For support with alcohol, drugs or mental health call 01872 263001 or visit https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/cornwall-truro/.
Childline
Free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime. t: 0800 1111 email or chat via www.childline.org.uk
Shout
24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text: 85258
CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably
For men who are down or who need to talk, find information and support. t: 0800 58 58 58 5pm - midnight every day or webchat at www.thecalmzone.net
Safer Futures
Call 0300 777 4777 or visit https://saferfutures.org.uk/ if you or someone else is affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and those demonstrating abusive behaviours.
Papyrus Hopeline UK
For people under the age of 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. t: 0800 068 4141 e: [email protected]
The inquest heard a report from his general practitioner who confirmed he had been a patient for over 25 years. While he had periods of depression in the late 1990s, he was described as a rare attendee to the GP surgery.
That was until August of last year when appropriate tests were carried out which determined he had a likely diagnosis of cancer of the bowel. In September he opted not to go ahead with further examination to gain a formal diagnosis and put together a funeral plan, but later changed his mind.
On December 1 he decided to go ahead with the colonoscopy. He told his GP at this time he regretted not having this and was worried he had cancer as his symptoms were worsening. He also stated having some suicidal thoughts.
He then cancelled this appointment a final time and was found deceased the following week, having left a note behind for his sister saying he had 'decided not to go on'.
Assistant coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Emma Hillson, recorded a conclusion of suicide. She said he had taken "deliberate steps" and had undergone extensive planning to take his own life.
