A STUDENT on the threshold of a new life at university killed himself with a massive cyanide overdose because of the acne that had "tormented" him.

And the case of Marc Heap prompted a major acne support group to reveal that 15 per cent of acne sufferers had felt suicidal because of the condition.

An inquest heard how Marc's body was found in a secluded part of the River Darwen close to his home last September.

A home-made sign warned people not to try and resuscitate him because of the chemicals he had used to take his own life.

The inquest was told that hours before swallowing the poison the 18-year-old, who was due to start at one of the country's top universities days later, had sent a letter to police telling them where his body could be found. Marc's mother said in a letter left for her he referred to being "in pain for years".

"I know he was referring to his skin problems, that is the only reason he would have taken his life," said Janet Heap. "It had made him a loner."

Earlier Mrs Heap, of Swan Farm Close, Lower Darwen, told how her son had been called "pizza face" and "Kevin" after Harry Enfield's teenage character.

Marc first developed skin problems following a holiday abroad when he was about 13. He developed severe acne in a very short period of time and when he was 14 went to see a skin specialist for the first time. He had been treated with steroids and numerous creams and also underwent a major laser treatment operation to his back, neck and face. But Mrs Heap said the operation had made matters worse and, although he was always reluctant to talk about his problem, Marc had said he felt he had been used as a guinea pig.

After the hearing, acne sufferer Alison Dudley, who runs the Cornwall-based Acne Support Group which has 2,000 members around the world, said: "We surveyed our members and 15 per cent said they had felt suicidal at some point because of acne. One per cent of the population has felt suicidal, so you are 15 times more likely to feel suicidal due to acne and illustrates the effect it can have on someone's life.

"We never know exactly why someone has taken their own life. Acne didn't kill Marc but the effects could have done. That is what this group is fighting to change."

Despite his problems Marc's school work had not suffered. He excelled at primary school and the head teacher urged his parents to consider private secondary education as he was so clever. With the help of other members of the family they secured an assisted place at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, where Marc gained eight GCSEs. Shortly before his death he achieved three As and one B in his A-Level exams, which his mum said he was delighted with because it meant he could take his place at St Andrew's University, Scotland.

On Saturday, September 13 the family called for takeaway kebabs and Marc insisted on paying.

"He said it was his last supper and I assumed he said this because he was going to university the following weekend," said Mrs Heap.

Deputy coroner Carolyn Singleton recorded a verdict of suicide and said: "Even in what must have been his darkest hour he took the time to try and ensure that other people would not be hurt physically by what he had done.

"Reading the letter he left I am struck by a young man who, despite his anxiety and torment, found time to think of others."

The Acne Support Group can be contacted on 0870 870 2263.