A FATHER of two young children died when he walked in front of a lorry on the M5 motorway while suffering work-related anxiety, an inquest heard.

Somerset assistant coroner Stephen Covell concluded the death of carpenter Calum Taylor-Dodd, of Spaxton, was ‘suicide’.

Self-employed Mr Taylor-Dodd, who was aged 34, left a wife, Nina, a two-year-old son, and a 13-week-old daughter.

An online crowdfunding appeal launched by Mrs Taylor-Dodd’s friend Azure Mead raised more than £16,500 to help support the family.

Ms Mead said: “Nina sadly lost her husband and the father of her children, Calum, to a short but hideous battle with mental health.

“Due to Calum being so young and having such a short battle with his mental health, the mortgage and day to day living, alongside funeral costs, have not been accounted for.

“Anything at all that you can spare for this beautiful family would be so appreciated.

“The money will never take away the pain but it will alleviate so much pressure financially.

“If anyone is struggling please speak out.

“We have lost Calum but it does not mean we have to lose anyone else.”

Mr Covell heard evidence that Mr Taylor-Dodd was driving southbound on the motorway on April 26 last year when he pulled over and parked on the hard shoulder between junctions 23 and 24 at about 10 pm.

He was told Mr Taylor-Dodd then intentionally walked into the path of an approaching heavy goods vehicle to take his own life, and suffered a severe head injury.

Mr Taylor-Dodd had recently consulted his family doctor due to work-related anxiety.

Mr Covell recorded a medical cause of death as ‘head injury’.

A family statement issued after the tragedy thanked emergency services workers who attended the scene and the people who had been with him.

Mrs Taylor-Dodd said online: “Why and how am I being left a widow at 32 and how do I even begin to think about continuing to raise our 13 little girl and son.

“I love you so much Calum, I know you knew this.

“We will look for you in the stars always and forever.”