Dr Martin Rhisiart, 43, from Cardiff, was left feeling ‘exhausted’ by the illness but hadn’t slept for two weeks
An economics professor who advised the Government hanged himself after being exhausted by a battle with ME.
Dr Martin Rhisiart, 43, from Cardiff, was left feeling ‘exhausted’ by the illness but hadn’t slept for two weeks.
ME is a long-term neurological condition that causes persistent fatigue.
The father-of-two was suffering from anxiety and depression and was found hanged in the garage of his family in Cardiff in June.
His wife Elena Rhisiart, 44, said: ‘In the last few weeks of his life he suffered exhaustion.
‘Martin’s behaviour changed and he was having feelings of hopelessness. He didn’t sleep for two weeks.
Mr Rhisiart had opened up to his wife about his depression the night before he took his own life, the inquest heard.
Ms Rhisiart said: ‘After a number of hours of me trying to calm him down and alleviate his worries we went to bed.
‘On June 20 I woke up at 6am. As I came downstairs I couldn’t see Martin.
‘I remember having a feeling to look out to our garage.’
The professor had been dead for a number of hours when emergency services arrived.
The father-of-two was suffering from anxiety and depression and was found hanged in the garage of his family in Cardiff in June
His medical cause of death was ‘pressure on the neck consistent with hanging.’
Coroner Philip Spinney said: ‘Martin Rhisiart often acted as an adviser to the UK Government. He worked long hours and suffered anxiety.
‘We heard a few weeks prior to his death he had been diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
‘The night before his death he explained to his wife he had felt anxious and depressed for the past four years.’
Mr Rhisiart left behind three ‘goodbye letters’ – one to his parents, one to his wife and one to his children.
Mr Spinney recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Throughout his career Mr Rhisiart worked on a ground-breaking piece of research for the UK Commission for Employment.
He was also a member of the Welsh Government’s Innovation Advisory Council for Wales and professor at the University of South Wales.
- For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.