A JEHOVAH’S witness could have potentially survived a brain haemorrhage, had he not refused a blood transfusion on religious grounds, an inquest heard.

Robin Broadfoot, from Bracknell, died on July 8 as a result of a haematoma caused by a previous fall when he knocked his head on the kitchen sink.

The 78-year-old was suffering with a background of pancreatic cancer and jaundice, as well as clogged arteries, which all 'weakened his body' and made him susceptible to falls.

His family were surprised to discover that cancer was not the cause of his death, but a coroner ruled his death was 'accidental' due to the fall at his home nearly a week earlier.

Emma Jones, assistant coroner for Berkshire at Reading Town Hall, read a medical report from Dr Christopher Wong, who examined the patient.

She said: "The CT scan showed a right-sided haematoma, which had a widespread effect on the brain.

"Mr Broadfoot was advised for a blood transfusion at the Neurological Ward at St George's Hospital in London.

"However, because of his religious beliefs, he refused the transfusion."

She concluded that the death was due to the 'increased pressure on his brain' and the fall was also a cause of his death, due to the impact it would have had on his head, causing the haemorrhage.

His wife, Patricia Broadfoot, who was present at the inquest, said: "Robin was strong as anything, he was a determined man and he'd never complained that anything hurt."

The inquest ruled his chances of surviving were at risk, due to his refusal of a blood transfusion, making his condition a lot worse due to his other pre-existing medical conditions.

Mr Broadfoot had moved to Bracknell in 2017 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, in order to be closer to his two daughters.

Medical experts warned he might benefit from a blood transfusion, but he was also advised that his weak heart would have made him a risk candidate for surgery.

As well as objecting to the transfusion on religious grounds, he urged others not to administer CPR if he ever required it.