A family have paid tribute to a 31-year-old man who died after choking on a steak he was eating.
An inquest into the death of Christopher Markham this week heard he’d died despite the best efforts of those around him.
He lived at The Oaks in Fleet Hargate, a supported living accommodation, and received around the clock care due to having learning difficulties.
“He was a lovely and happy person,” said mum Benita Markham. “His favourite things were Formula One, especially Lewis Hamilton, and Manchester United.
“He and his dad Shaun went to a the British Grand Prix at Silverstone a few times.
“At his funeral everybody wore Manchester United kit and colours, even us as Arsenal fans.”
The inquest heard Christopher was capable of eating without help and staff were in attendance on September 1 last year when he choked on the steak he was eating.
He initially told staff he didn’t need help before admitting he did while running to the toilet.
Care manager of The Oaks Rachael Dunn was among those in attendance.
Her testimony to the inquest stated Christopher had made it unable for staff to carry out the Heimlich manoeuvre before he collapsed.
She and doctors from the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance were among those who spent 45 minutes trying to revive him.
Over £200 was donated to the air ambulance from Christopher’s funeral.
“Christopher was always a happy and cheeky character,” said Rachael. “He would often make comments to the staff to make them laugh.
“He was very proud of his belongings and would often show them off to anyone who came to visit him, including his birthday presents, his art creations and things he’d made.
“He had many different hobbies and items of interest such as Manchester United, cars, crafts and access in the community.
“During his time at The Oaks you could tell Christopher felt happy.
“He loved being told staff were proud of what he achieved and they would praise him for his positivity in the home.
“Christopher loved taking care of his hamster Snowy and loved being around people and being social, attending many events.
“He loved doing different activities with staff including going to the pond to feed the ducks, shopping and baking cakes.
“At the home he was very caring and would look out for his peers who needed more care than he did, fetching their drinks or just talking to them.”
Christopher moved to The Oaks supported living run by Pearl Healthcare in 2022 after attending that company’s day centre and respite care previously.
Christopher’s sister Sophie Markham: “Everybody has tried their best for him.
“He was really happy there.
“Christopher was a lovely and trusting person.
“He was a brilliant uncle to my six-year-old Ella-Mai, he loved her to bits and would often play with her.”
Coroner Lindsay Tasker ruled Christopher’s death as an accident.
