A prisoner taking part in a prison fun run collapsed and died of Sudden Adult Death syndrome, an inquest heard.

Ian Ewart McDowall, 51, died at Haverigg Prison on April 10.

Staff at the prison were praised for the way they dealt with the situation and aftermath, an inquest held in Cockermouth on Thursday heard.

Mr McDowall, a keen runner, had been one of 24 prisoners taking part in a 10km Easter Bank Holiday fun run within the prison grounds.

He was on the ninth of 11 laps when he stopped suddenly, held his chest and fell to the ground.

A fellow prisoner, also in the race and with first aid experience from his time in the Army, ran to assist. He checked his airways were clear before the health care team arrived soon after.

Mr McDowall was attended by a doctor, nurse and paramedics, who carried out life-saving treatment. He was declared deceased.

Mr McDowall's wife of 21 years, Jayne, was at the inquest with his sister and mother.

The couple, who have two children, lived in Birmingham. Mr McDowall had worked as a primary school teacher for 24 years, she said.

"He was a caring and loving husband and father who wanted the best for his family," said Mrs McDowall.

He had been sent to prison in July 2019 and recently transferred to Haverigg.

"He had only been at Haverigg for four weeks and was making the most of what was available," said his wife.

He was a keen sportsman and musician. He enjoyed drumming and guitar, also the weekly park runs, the inquest heard.

"He had been looking forward to the 10k fun run," she said.

Mrs McDowall went to the prison with her husband's mother and sister following his death and met various members of staff.

The family praised them all.

"All the staff I have been in contact with at Haverigg have been compassionate, understanding and caring.

"I'm devastated at what has happened, it was so unexpected and tragic but I know that everything was done to save him," said Mrs McDowall.

"We were starting to make plans for the future, unfortunately this will never happen."

Mr McDowall had been on antidepressants but had no medical issues, the inquest heard.

A post mortem was carried out but the pathologist and sudden cardio death specialist could not find a cause.

"He was tall and slim, not a typical candidate for cardiac disease," said the pathologist.

And so the medical cause of death was given as Sudden Adult Death syndrome.

Coroner Margaret Taylor concluded that his death was "natural".

"He had been participating in the run within the confines of the prison when he suddenly stumbled and collapsed.

"Immediate attempts were made to assist him by bystanders, who were joined by health care staff who carried out life-saving treatment.

"The medical cause of death was given as Sudden Adult Death syndrome, we describe this as a 'natural' cause of death," said Ms Taylor.

"This was very sudden and tragic. I'm sure that as time goes beyond the immediate stages of grief you will remember the good things about him - his talent, how loved he was and the qualities he had as a father.

"You will talk about the positive aspects of his character and his life."

She praised the prison staff who all "showed respect and dignity to him".

She said to the family: "Sometimes in grief it's very difficult to acknowledge how much people do. It's testament to you all that you have taken time to acknowledge the kindness shown to you.

"Although he would not have wanted to die in prison but since he did I'm glad it was with such dedicated, professional and caring staff."