AN Aspatria pensioner whose operation was cancelled for medical reasons died 12 days later, an inquest heard.

Ian Walter Thomson, 78, died in the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, on March 21. He had been admitted the previous day after calling an ambulance because he had abdominal pain.

An inquest was held into his death in Cockermouth on Tuesday.

His son, sisters and other family members were present.

The inquest heard Mr Thomson was born in Aspatria. The retired upholsterer had worked in various factories and also drove mini buses.

He had three grandchildren and was a "keen sportsman", said son Philip. He was a lifelong fan of Workington Rugby League and also enjoyed bowls and pigeons.

Mr Thomson had been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

He was due to go for surgery on March 9 but was sent home due to having a chest infection and testing positive for Covid 19, the inquest heard.

On March 20 he called for an ambulance as he was feeling unwell and had been advised to do this by his GP.

"He did exactly the right thing," said assistant coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw. "He felt a pain and called for assistance."

He was taken to A&E at the Cumberland Infirmary where a scan revealed no overall change in the aneurysm. Observations were all within the normal range, his blood pressure was a little higher, said Dr Shaw.

He spent the night in the hospital and collapsed at approximately 6am the following day, the inquest heard.

He was moved into the resuscitation room, said emergency medicine doctor Dr Becky Taylor.

"I suspected he had a ruptured aortic aneurysm. A CT scan was arranged and confirmed this.

"Preparations were made to transfer him into theatre for emergency repair."

Mr Thomson died on the operating table, the inquest heard.

Dr Shaw said: "The scan on the night of the 20th showed no sign of rupture. The second scan showed a completely different picture.

"Despite emergency surgery, it caused his death."

He concluded Mr Thomson's death was by "natural causes".

"I would like to offer my sympathy," said Dr Shaw to Mr Thomson's family.

"We have seen a lot of public and private grief over the past 10 days.

"It's an awful thing for you to have lost him in such difficult circumstances. I'm sorry for your loss."

The family thanked Dr Shaw and his staff for their support.

First book: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/20736727.disabled-cockermouth-man-found-solace-writing-first-book-published/