A 62-year-old sea captain took his life at Symonds Yat Rock after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, an inquest heard.

Richard Wiseman of Standish, Gloucester, who was described as a ‘very active’ person, did not want to be a burden to his family as the disease progressed, the inquest was told.

He left home on March 5th and travelled to the famous Symonds Yat rock in the Wye Valley where he jumped to his death.

Senior Coroner Katy Skerrett said it was clear that Mr Wiseman had clear suicide intent when he left his home that morning.

"He was hit with horrendous news and was struggling massively with that when he made the decision to make his way to Symonds Yat rock."

"He was seen by passers-by shortly before jumping from the cliff and wrote detailed notes to emergency services and his wife which satisfies me he intended to take his own life."

"He didn’t want to live with the diagnosis and become a burden on his family," Mrs Skerrett concluded.