A loving dad-of-two with a 'huge heart' put on a brave face to protect those around him despite his mental health struggles, an inquest has heard.

Dwayne Nicklin was just 28 when he was found dead in a Royal Stoke University Hospital car park just days after Christmas 2023.

A jury inquest started yesterday (9 November) into Dwayne's death and is expected to run for the rest of the week.

The inquest heard a moving tribute to Dwayne, of Blurton, read out on behalf of his mum Jodie Nicklin.

She said: "Dwayne was a much-loved son, dad, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many.

"From the beginning he brought warmth and happiness into our lives. Dwayne was a loving father to his sons; being a dad meant everything to him and they were always the heart of his world.

"Even now his son looks for his guidance and direction. He had a big personality and a huge heart.

"Music was one of his great loves, whether singing or dancing, and football and rugby were also passions. He had a smile that could light up a room and his playful sense of humour drew people to him.

"He valued his friendships deeply and seemed to know so many people, building strong, lasting connections wherever he went. Life wasn't always easy; he struggled with his mental health and faced challenges with courage, often with a brave face to protect those around him.

"He will be forever loved and missed so much. We will leave a light on for you son."

Dwayne attended Sutherland Primary School and Blurton High School and worked on security at pubs and the Royal Stoke.

He had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional unstable personality disorder and had a history of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, the inquest heard.

In the months before his death – on December 28, 2023 – he had been in contact with the Sutherland Centre, which provides mental health services in Dresden.

On December 7, 2023 he attended the crisis care centre at Harplands Hospital, where he was assessed, but not admitted as an inpatient.

In the early hours of December 28, 2023 he contacted his former partner, saying he was by a car park near Harplands Hospital. She contacted police and officers were sent to the hospital grounds to search for him.

Later that morning, at around 8am, Dwayne was found dead in a Royal Stoke multi-storey car park.

The inquest continues.