The 83-year-old grandfather committed suicide because he feared contracting coronavirus

A grandfather killed himself after struggling to cope with the confinement, leaving his family completely devastated and in shock.

Dennis Ward, 83, had felt vulnerable and scared of catching Covid-19, said his grandson James Parnaby, who confirmed that he was found dead at his home in Kings Norton, Birmingham, on Saturday.

She described him as a “happy and lucky” character and the “life and soul” of the party who had never had a problem with depression before.

Dennis Ward, 83, tragically killed himself amid fears of contracting the deadly coronavirus

“But the reality is that he was fighting to be vulnerable and self-isolated,” he said. “The fear of contracting the virus and that the world would never be the same again finally had its effect.”

Dennis grew up in Coventry, but spent much of his life living in the Kings Heath area in South Birmingham. He had worked at Jaguar Land Rover in Castle Bromwich and was married to his wife Valerie Ward for 60 years.

She said: ‘Dennis was someone who went out every day and always expected to see his family.

‘The impact of this blockade was terrible and it became too much for him. I am heartbroken and the family is stunned with shock.

Dennis is also survived by his son and daughter Valerie and Adam, three grandchildren Paul, Jenna and James, as well as great-granddaughter Scarlett.

His death was totally unexpected for the family. James said, “I woke up to a call from my father to tell him that his grandfather committed suicide, it was a big surprise and hit the family like a ton of bricks and it will be difficult for all of us to understand.”

He posted an emotional tribute to his grandfather on Facebook in an effort to raise awareness about people struggling with hidden mental health issues during the lockdown and urge people to keep in touch with family members.

James also launched a fundraising campaign for the mental charity Mind in memory of Dennis, which has already generated hundreds of pounds.

James said, “ Everyone is fighting their own personal battles right now with the current situation in a locked state. I know many people who struggle to cope. Unfortunately, with great sadness my grandfather, Dennis Ward could no longer fight that battle and decided to kill himself.

His grandson, James Parnaby (pictured), described him as a “happy and lucky” man who had never had a problem with depression before. A fundraising campaign has been established in memory of Dennis

‘Before this terrible Covid-19 virus appeared, he had never been depressed or suffering from his mental health and was relatively healthy for an 83-year-old boy.

“ He was a happy and lucky type of man, life and soul at family parties, dancing to rock and roll beat, always courting ladies (sorry, nan), he loved betting on horses and drinking too many beers or whiskeys. Their endless stories would always entertain us.

He added: ‘Today I ask everyone to pick up the phone so that their parents, grandparents, friends or any vulnerable person can monitor them and ask them if they are okay and if they are coping. I never had a chance to talk to him as I thought he would be fine and see him on the other side.

‘No one knew what hidden effects it was having on him. Imagine what must have been going through your head to get on with what you did without telling the family. I am sure there are many other people in the same situation now, so contact them as it could save a life. ”

• If you need help, you can call the Samaritans toll free at 116 123.