A BRITISH chef has died by suicide after breaking up with his ex partner, an inquest heard.
Martin Belcher was found in his room on a remote island in the Scillies just days after the split.
Martin Belcher took his life in September 2025 while working on an island in the ScilliesCredit: Getty
The coroner recorded Martin’s death as a suicideCredit: Unknown
An inquest heard that the 27-year-old was his usual self before he took his own life on Tresco Island.
Martin’s family told Coroner’s Court on February 17 that they had been left in shock over the suicide, but blamed no one for it.
His last role as a seasonal chef was at the New Inn on the remote island.
The assistant Cornwall coroner, Emma Hillson, was told that Martin had been in a relationship with a fellow worker, with whom he had split up several times in 2025.
The pair the relationship because they both wanted different things.
The inquest heard that Martin, who came from Stoke-on-Trent, was emotional about the breakup but had appeared normal in the lead up to his death.
Martin was said not to have mental issues and was looking out for others on the island.
His body was found by a friend and colleague in his room last September.
Martin had left a note saying that he did not want to blame his ex, but could not continue.
His ex girlfriend told the inquest that Martin was a “smiley and chatty” person, but pointed to the fact he smoked to calm himself down.
She added that she did not notice any behaviour from Martin that would have alerted her to his suicide, stating: “We both loved each other”.
His family spoke about him at the inquest as a very caring and sensitive person.
The found evidence of cannabis use in Martin’s room, but said there were no suspicious circumstances around the death.
The coroner recorded a suicide conclusion.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
In a tribute, the owners of Tresco Island said: “Two weeks ago, our island community faced the loss of our friend and colleague, Martin Belcher.
“Martin was a much-loved part of the Tresco and Hell Bay family – a talented chef, and a kind, caring and joyful soul who embraced life on the Isles of Scilly with warmth, generosity and his unforgettable smile.
“Whether in the kitchen or in the community, his presence lit up every room, and his is deeply felt by us all.
“We are truly grateful to the guests who were with us at the time for their understanding and kind words during such a difficult moment for our community.
“The love and thoughts of everyone here on Tresco and at Hell Bay are with Martin’s family and friends as we remember and a wonderful man.”
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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