A MUCH loved personal trainer who struggled with his mental health was found dead at his home by his family.

An inquest into the tragic death of 28-year-old Lewis Horrocks, who was also known by the surname Kirby, opened yesterday.

Senior Police coroner's officer Marcheta Hogan told the hearing Mr Horrocks was found hanging by members of his family ­— and there were no suspicious circumstances.

Lewis struggled with his BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), anxiety and depression in the years leading to his death, according to a close friend.

Now, friends devastated by his death have launched an appeal in his memory to support others with mental health issues.

So far more than £7,500 has been raised - smashing the original target of £1,000 ­— for mental health charities.

Speaking in a moving tribute after his death, his best friend Chelsea Nicholson said: "Lewis was a genuinely nice person and helped everyone, he had a tough exterior but a soft interior.

Obviously we knew about his struggles as he was very vocal about them, but it was a massive shock when we found out he had died. I thought we would grow old and grey together."

The inquest into Mr Horrock's death will be resumed at Bolton Coroners Court on August 9 at 10am. post to the JustGiving page reads: "Anyone that was lucky enough to know Lewis knew he was, a larger than life kind of person that would always go above and beyond for anyone that he crossed paths with."

The page can be found here.