A 27-YEAR-OLD Cradley Heath man suffering from complex health issues including cystic fibrosis and diabetes took his own life - an inquest heard.

Matthew Banner, of Ash Street, was found unresponsive in bed with empty packets of painkillers around by his mum, at 10.15am on May 23.

An ambulance was called and paramedics and doctors desperately fought to save his life by performing CPR for over 100 minutes and giving him drugs to reverse the effects of the painkillers.

But the inquest at Black Country Coroner's Court today (Monday September 20) heard their attempts were unsuccessful and Mr Banner, who lived with his mum and two brothers, sadly died at Russells Hall Hospital at 11.57am.

The inquest was told Mr Banner, who also suffered from asthma, had taken an overdose previously but had recovered in hospital and had been discharged with medication for chest pain.

He had been referred to psychiatric services at Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

A report by nurse community psychiatric nurse Sarah Matthews was read to the court by senior coroner Zafar Siddique. In it she stated Mr Banner had a history of alcohol, gambling and cocaine addictions, but had beaten his alcohol and gambling addictions and had not been using cocaine for around five weeks.

He said his drug use had been causing problems with his relationship with his mum, who he described as his "best friend."

Mr Banner had an appointment with Sandwell addiction services to look at his drug use.

He told Ms Matthews he felt it was too far to travel to Nottingham where he had to go to receive treatment for his cystic fibrosis and said he was planning to keep his driving licence to maintain his independence. She discharged Mr Banner after he displayed a good level of engagement and said he regretted his suicide attempt describing it as a "cry for help." She wrote to his GP with Mr Banner agreeing to make an appointment. Ms Matthews heard on June 19 that Matthew had passed away.

The post mortem concluded Mr Banner died from an overdose of painkillers. The inquest heard his mum believed he may have taken medication to deal with pain he was experiencing.

Coroner Zafar Siddique said: "On the balance of probability it seems more likely he had taken a deliberate overdose. Sadly Mr Banner took his own life and I will record a verdict of suicide.

"May I take this opportunity to offer my condolences to his family and friends."

Mr Banner's funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church in Old Hill on June 20, with mourners asked to wear Hawaiian and colourful shirts as a tribute to the popular 27-year-old affectionately known as 'Tat'.

If you need someone to talk to the Samaritans’ free helpline number is 116 123. The mental health charity offers 24/7 confidential support.