A HEARTBROKEN daughter has told how her cancer-hit dad took his own life after being hounded by bailiffs who threatened to repossess his home over a £70,000 debt.

Nigel Hurst, 56, initially owed just £2,203 however eventually his debts escalated to £70,000 and before his death he was paying monthly fees of £800 in a bid to repay the sum.

In October last year his body was found, and he left a note to daughters Jessica, 26, and Sally, 20, explaining his decision.

It read: "It breaks my heart to write this. I love you with all my heart.

"I have been so unhappy in my personal life for so long, I cannot go on. Now I am about to lose my house as well as my self respect, I have decided to go.

"Do not grieve for me for long. Passing for me will be a huge relief.

"I love you both and will always be with you."

Following the death of their father - who had been battling cancer since 2004 - bailiffs gave his daughters just a few hours over Christmas to collect sentimental items from the home which is now under their control.

Jessica shared the note with the Daily Record in a bid to expose the impact which bailiffs can have on people's lives.

She said: "This debt pushed my father in to taking his own life. It is utterly disgusting and inhumane.

"The amount of pressure that had put on him was unbearable. No human being was going to withstand that as well as having cancer. It is just not fair."

The family later learned that Nigel had been living with no heating or water.

He had also lost teeth through cancer treatment, but could not afford to replace them.

Nigel took his life just three days after dropping Jessica off at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, where she is studying to be an opera singer.

She said: "He was very quiet in the car that day which was unlike him. Then he stayed all day with me to help me unpack. Now I realise why."

In a bid to keep the family home - valued at £140,000 - Jessica offered to pay £40,000 in March but the debt firm BDO UK refused.

BDO UK said: "On Wednesday, October 4, 2017, a court bailiff and agent were due to meet Mr Hurst and the property handed over.

"Unfortunately, the tragic discovery of Mr Hurst’s death was made.

"BDO have waived their statutory entitlement to be paid all their fees, and have been in contact with the other stakeholders in an endeavour to minimise the bankruptcy liabilities and costs."