A RETIRED headmaster who was killed by a high speed train took his own life after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer, an inquest ruled today.

Terminally ill Simon Hensby died after stepping infront of a fast train train close to Brookmans Park Railway Station on August 11 last year. He took his own life just days after being told an aggressive form of cancer - already affecting his throat and liver - had spread for which there was no available treatment other than palliative care.

David Humphreys, the coroner's liasion officer for the British Transport Police, told an inquest today how the train driver had persistently sounded his horn after spotting Mr Hensby on the track about 100 yards from Brookmans Park Station. He said the First Capital Connect service heading to Peterborough from Kings Cross was travelling at some speed when it struck Mr Hensby.

A note written by Mr Hensby was discovered by his wife, Fiona, at their home in Green Acres, The Grove in Brookmans Park following his death.

In it Mr Hensby explained that he had felt pain during the night and had not slept well - a sign of a fate awaiting him.

The 69-year-old, who had always enjoyed good health up untill his cancer diagnosis in October 2007, worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau and as a witness support officer at St Albans Crown Court after retiring as a headteacher.

His wife, Fiona, told the hearing: "He enjoyed the work - he helped people throughout his life.

"He put the needs of another person ahead of his own - he would always give himself to someone in need. He was a good friend to everyone; he didn't deserve to suffer as he did, but he would say it wouldn't be fair for anyone."

Recording a verdict of suicide, coroner Edward Thomas said: "He intended to take his own life rather than face a lingering death." He told Mr Hensby's widow: "The hardest thing for him was leaving you. It must have been awful for him. This progression of the disease - any further treatment would have been palliative and he knew that."