The mother of a Swindon teenager who took his own life has spoken of her loss as an inquest into his death concludes.

Euan Schaub died last year as a result of injuries sustained by an impulsive act at his Moredon home.

The following article references suicide and mental health issues. Anyone who is struggling can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

Senior coroner for Wiltshire David Ridley described the “very sad and tragic” events that led to the 15-year-old’s death and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the teenager’s family.

He added: “Euan comes across as a colourful character and his premature departure is a loss to the world.”

The inquest held at Swindon and Wiltshire Coroners Court on Friday heard that Euan had ADHD and an impulsive nature with suicidal ideation.

He cared for his mother Jemma Collins, who has similar mental health issues and looked after him in turn.

A mental health nurse who met the boy in November 2022 noted how “he spoke with genuine warmth and affection towards his mum” and that she was impressed by “his maturity and the tenderness towards his mother when she was emotionally dysregulated”.

The nurse described his mood as generally positive with periods of fluctuation and said that he “denied confidently” any ideas of self-harm because he felt that life was precious, and he had expressed “deep regret” after previous suicide attempts.

After this appointment, he was discharged from mental health support services, with a check-up booked for six months’ time.

Jemma said in a statement that on March 15, 2023, she stopped Euan going to school after smelling vape coming from his room. He protested, saying he felt unsupported and unprotected.

She reassured her son that she would find help and started calling youth support services, then heard him say ‘I love you’ from behind his bedroom door.

She said ‘I love you too’ and the house fell silent. A few minutes later, she discovered what he had done, and a note.

Paramedics took Euan to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where he died at 10.38am on March 21.

The inquest reached a conclusion of suicide, as Euan had suffered a fatal brain injury caused by the method used to take his own life.

Mr Ridley added that the boy’s ADHD was “more likely than not” a contributing factor to this fateful decision as impulsivity and inability to cope with stressful situations were features of that condition.

Jemma’s statement added: “He was discussing college and work the week before the incident. He relished helping others and volunteering, he had no issue making friends, and enjoyed making others laugh and feel good.

“I love Euan so much and find it so hard when I’m alone.”

Jemma told the Adver that the support available for her son had been inadequate and she feared that “nothing will be learned or changed to help the next child and family”.

She added: “It’s a lottery and there needs to be changes to protect our children from harm and have care there if help is needed. A lot of time was spent pursuing help and very little help available.

“Using what I've learned to support others is all I can do, and I’m grateful to the charities that pick up the pieces.

“I think a little quality therapy and safeguarding that fully worked in school could have made a big impact and avoided a lot of this.

“I was lucky to be his mum, to know him and nurture him. The world needs more peace, love and – importantly - understanding. I hope the system does adapt and more children get the help they need.”