An inquest heard that James Charles Blackmore, 39, had been preparing to attend a ceremony in London after successfully completing a rehab course run by the Christian charity Teen Challenge.

Mr Blackmore's body was found in woodland near Bowthorpe (Image: EDP)

However, Mr Blackmore, of Bladewater Road, Bowthorpe, told a friend he was too unwell to attended the ceremony on September 14, 2025.

His body was found on Bowthorpe Marshes the following month.

Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard how police had launched a search for Mr Blackmore on October 16 after his partner raised concerns for his welfare earlier that morning.

The couple had been together for around a year and she told officers he had threatened to take his own life.

The inquest heard evidence from Martin Hoskins, of Teen Challenge at Drayton Hall.

A memorial to James Blackmore (Image: Facebook)

He told the court Mr Blackmore had struggled with addiction and mental health issues but had made significant progress while on the programme.

Mr Hoskins said Mr Blackmore had joined the rehabilitation programme several times, but in 2023 re registered and successfully completed it in 2024.

He had self-referred through the organisation’s website after struggling with substance misuse.

The court heard Mr Blackmore had experienced emotional instability and anxiety and had used drugs in an attempt to numb the pain of past trauma, including the death of his mother.

Despite his challenges he was described as "hard-working and very driven".

Mr Hoskins said Mr Blackmore had secured employment using his carpentry skills and had been keen to rebuild his life.

Mr Blackmore had completed rehabilitation at Drayton Hall (Image: Google Maps)

After completing the programme he had chosen to remain living in accommodation run by the charity so he could continue receiving support from staff who had made positive relationships with.

He later moved out in May 2025 but kept in regular contact with his support worker and appeared happy.

However, the court heard that his circumstances changed in the weeks before his death.

Mr Blackmore had been laid off from his job and friends noticed he became withdrawn.

He began responding to text messages days later than usual and cancelled plans to meet friends.

He reportedly told one he "felt lost and no longer knew who he was", adding that his motivation had dropped.

Mr Blackmore had been due to attend the graduation ceremony at City Gates Church in Ilford, London on September 14 to celebrate his recovery from addiction.

He and a friend had booked a hotel ahead of the event which Mr Blackmore had reportedly been looking forward to.

The day before he sent messages to his friend saying "all good" and confirming he would meet him later that evening to travel to London.

But at around 5am the following morning he sent a final message saying he was too unwell and would not be able to attend the ceremony, but promising to pay for the hotel.

Mr Blackmore's body was found in woodland near Bowthorpe (Image: EDP)

Toxicology tests carried out after his death showed evidence of alcohol and recent cocaine use in his blood.

A post-mortem examination concluded the medical cause of death was hanging.

However, in her conclusion, the coroner said there was insufficient evidence to determine Mr Blackmore’s true intention at the time of his death.

Christopher Leach said that in order to record a conclusion of suicide he had to be satisfied that Mr Blackmore intended his actions to cause his own death.

The coroner noted his previous mental health struggles and history of substance misuse but he there was no clear evidence of his state of mind immediately before the incident.

He therefore recorded a narrative conclusion.

Summing up, Mr Leach said: “The medical cause of death was hanging. But his intention at the time he did so remains unknown. It could have been a cry for help."

Drayton Teen Challenge is a Christian residential recovery programme based at Drayton Hall, near Norwich.

The centre supports adult men struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, offering a structured programme combining mentoring, work, counselling and Christian teaching.

Around 28 men can live at the centre at any one time, taking part in a recovery course that typically lasts around 17 months.

Despite its name, the programme accepts adults aged 18 and over.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are there to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

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