A PENSIONER who tried to save his wife’s life did everything he could, an inquest was told.

Margaret Brown, 75, choked whilst having dinner at home with her husband, Alan, on October 19 last year.

She was taken to Royal Hampshire County Hospital on October 18 but died the following day.

An inquest in Winchester on Wednesday (June 19) heard that Mr Brown, of Durley Street, Southampton, performed the Heimlich manoeuvre before paramedics arrived.

But Mrs Brown also suffered from the rare condition Devic's disease, which the court heard was related to multiple sclerosis.

Following a tracheotomy, she required a tube through which to eat as swallowing was difficult – something her husband told the inquest she found “frustrating”.

Following clearance from medical staff, she had elected not to use it.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Deputy Coroner for Central Hampshire, Simon Burge, said: “I’m very impressed by the quality of care Margaret Brown had.

“It’s clear that Mrs Brown was very keen to rid herself of the tube. She specifically requested it be removed and all those involved in her care had to strike a balance between the need to avoid any risk, and the autonomy of the patient.

“Mr Brown responded appropriately and in the best way he could.”