Popular Sheffield climber and dancer took his own life after struggling during lockdown

Tributes have poured in to Marc Pontin, who was tragically found dead at his home in Heeley, aged 51.

In a statement, his family said: “We would like him to be remembered as a vital and vibrant brother, son, uncle, and friend to all the family.

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"He was a man of many talents; always so willing to use his skills and insight to help those around him, as well as being generous with his time and knowledge, intelligent, fun and charismatic.

"He is and forever will be much loved, and he leaves a gaping hole in all our lives.

"Marc’s life was completely destabilised by the first lockdown and he struggled to adjust to post-lockdown life.”

An inquest held at Sheffield Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, January 5, heard how Marc had been found hanged at his home on the evening of July 21, and coroner Katy Dickinson recorded a conclusion of suicide.

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Marc was born in Reading and lived in Cardiff and Basingstoke before moving to Sheffield in 2003.

He worked as a mechanical engineer and a design and technology teacher before becoming a handyperson who was the DIY skills advisor for the homelessness charity Shelter in Sheffield.

The gifted dancer played an integral role in Sheffield’s swing dance scene and helped found Lindy Hop Sheffield.

But rock climbing was his greatest passion, which he spent countless hours pursuing in the Peak District and at Sheffield’s climbing walls.

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His father Jim described him as a ‘totally dedicated rock climber of some distinction’ who loved Sheffield as it was the ‘perfect place’ to indulge in his hobby.

The inquest heard how he had visited his GP weeks before his death and described being in a ‘low mood’.

His family told how he had found the first lockdown challenging and had spent much of it with his mother in Norfolk before returning to Sheffield in an attempt to ‘get his normality back’.

In a moving tribute, the Sheffield Balboa dance group described Marc as a ‘skilled and beautiful dancer’ who ‘always seemed cheerful and was consistently caring, warm, charming and generous’.

The group added: “Let’s use Marc’s passing as an opportunity to check in regularly with friends and family and consider the possibility that they may need our support and not feel able to ask for it.”

Tracey Nathan, head of Shelter Sheffield, told how Marc had been ‘full of energy, like a whirlwind at times’ and had used his practical and personal skills to help many homeless people resettle into a home of their own.

She added that he was a ‘kind, sensitive and caring’ man, with a great sense of humour, who had ‘supported many of us through tough times’.

Rachel Cook said: “Marc was a loving partner who became a dear friend. He was extremely intelligent, talented, warm-hearted, and a very well-read man with many deep spiritual insights that he always endeavoured to share.

"I feel privileged to have known him, learnt from him and danced with him. He is missed every day.”

Marc leaves behind a partner in Spain whom he had sadly been unable to see during the pandemic.

If you need to talk, you can call Samaritans free at any time on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org.