A MOTHER whose son died after being struck by a train has asked more people to simply ask: 'Are you OK?'

Sarah Bower, of Southampton, whose 27-year-old son, Gary Sellman, died at Boscombe's Pokesdown Station in June, said: “For a long while, Gary was aware of his mental health struggles. He always tried to be positive, seeking help with his GP or getting therapy."

She described her son, who lived in Walpole Road as: "The kindest and most gentle young man you’d ever meet – I miss him so dearly. I remember him as being a family man, he was always reading and was fanatical about Star Wars and Lord Of The Rings.

“Since losing Gary, our family and his friends raised money for Dorset Mind who provide support to those with mental health struggles, such as Gary. I don’t want another family to experience the heart-breaking loss we have. I want more people to stop and ask “are you OK?”

An inquest into Mr Sellman's death heard that he had a history of depression and anxiety and had been sectioned after being found on a railway line at Branksome in 2012.

He died just before 6.30am on June 25 this year at Pokesdown Station.

In a statement, witness Mr Jay Branch said he saw him sitting on a bench. On hearing an announcement that the next train would not be stopping, Mr Sellman ran towards the locomotive which left him with multiple injuries.

British Transport Police later discovered what they described as a 'letter of intent' on the screen of his laptop, detailing worries over his finances and living environment.

The court heard how Mr Sellman had been receiving counselling from Dorset Healthcare University Trust and had been assessed as 'low-risk', despite the previous railway incident.

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Beth Sear said she had assessed Mr Sellman and recommended he enter the Steps to Wellbeing process to deliver psychological support.

Prior to this he had spoken of suffering with voices 'telling him to commit suicide' but when he met her on June 11 he was 'feeling better'. She said: "He said he had plans a month before to jump in front of a train because of difficulties but his condition had improved."

She said the Trust had signposted him to two initiatives but: "Because I was quite concerned about the future increase of risk I did send a separate letter to his GP about my concerns."

The court heard that Mr Sellman had not contacted his GP practice as he was also advised to do.

Members of Mr Sellman's family raised concerns about the suitability of his living accommodation, described as a '12 x 12 box room'.

They also learned for the first time at the inquest that there was to be a panel hearing into Mr Sellman's death at Dorset Healthcare, which will take place on Friday.

Coroner Rachael Griffin described Boscombe's Pokesdown Station as being a 'location of prime concern' after a spate of deaths there, and that she had noted the efforts to tackle this. She recorded a verdict that Mr Sellman had died by suicide.

If you're struggling and need to talk to someone, the Samaritans can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.