A TEENAGER whose death inspired a campaign to raise thousands of pounds for The Samaritans took his own life after splitting with his long-term girlfriend, an inquest heard yesterday.

Daniel O'Hare was found hanged at his home in Stainmore Drive, Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street on Easter Monday this year.

After the death of the 19-year-old computer worker, his 11-year-old brother, Matthew Smith, and cousin, Sarah O'Hare, launched a campaign to raise £7,000 to produce 20,000 wristbands - with the slogan If U Care Share - to raise money for The Samaritans.

The successful scheme, which has been backed by the region's top football clubs, is also designed to raise awareness of The Samaritans, which offers a listening ear to those who may be contemplating taking their own life.

Yesterday's inquest, at County Hall in Durham City, heard that Daniel's family had no inkling that he was considering suicide.

His stepfather, Dean Smith, said that Mr O'Hare had recently lost his licence following a drink-drive incident and had also been in an on-off relationship with his girlfriend, Louise Brown.

However, asked if his stepson had had any problems leading up to his death, he replied: "Nothing in particular, certainly nothing to indicate that this would happen."

He added: "As far as we were concerned, he seemed okay, even on the day he died."

Miss Brown, who had been in a relationship with Mr O'Hare since their school- days, said that he had warned her he was considering suicide, but she had not thought it to be a serious threat.

She said: "I didn't think he actually meant it, not at all."

Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict that Mr O'Hare had taken his own life.

He said of Miss Brown: "She was quite clear he had been depressed, he had been making threats, but she took the view that this was to put some pressure on her to patch things up and get back together as people sometimes do.

"But in this instance, Daniel took things one stage further."