'Loved' uncle died after collapsing on pavement

Inquest told of battle with booze and drugs

- BY AMY FENTON

A MUCH-LOVED uncle from Accrington was found collapsed on the pavement with neighbours desperately battling to save his life.

Andy Sharples had fallen and banged his head outside his home in Dowry Street on the morning of February 22 this year.

The 60-year-old, who worked for local window fitting firm 1st Glass, was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where CPR was continued before doctors decided it was futile to carry on.

An inquest into Andy's death, held on Monday June 23 at Preston Coroners' Court, heard that he had been taking cocaine for at least around 25 years.

This, combined with his drinking, had led to the breakdown of his marriage and the loss of his job, sister Cathy said in a statement.

The inquest heard a statement from paramedic Andrew Ormerod who had been based at the Accrington Ambulance Station on February 22.

The 999 call came in at 8.45am and the crew was tasked to the scene under one of the most serious categories.

"On arrival we were greeted by two young people; a man and a woman," Mr Ormerod said.