Foster dad's death 'could have been avoided'

Inquest rules he took his own life a week before he was to be evicted

- IMOGEN CLYDE-SMITH, DAMON WILKINSON AND SUSIE BEEVER

THE heartbroken family of an 'amazing' foster dad who took his own life a week before he was due to be evicted after going into arrears over the 'bedroom tax' believe his death could have been avoided.

Lee McHale, who always dreamt of having children of his own, became a foster dad around 14 years ago. The 52-year-old cared for several children over the years at his home in Denton but had to stop fostering last year due to a decline in his health.

Lee, originally from Gorton, continued to live alone in the house he'd used to look after the children. But because he had a number of spare rooms he became subject to the 'bedroom tax?

When his housing benefit didn't cover his rent, he 'rapidly went into arrears and was liable to be evicted, an inquest at Stockport Coroners Court heard.

On November 25 last year, Lee was rushed to Tameside Hospital after taking an overdose. He died two days later.