THEY grew up together, went to school together, celebrated birthdays together – and died within weeks of each other.

Now the families of cousins and best friends Karl Jason Jones and Marc Scott Guttridge have spoken of their double heartbreak after sitting through the inquests into the two young men's deaths which, in a strange twist of fate, were held on the same day.

The pair had been close from a young age and even had similar birthdays – Karl would have turned 34 last Thursday and Marc would have been 33 on Saturday.

However, on July 23 last year, Karl was killed in a motorcycle accident. Ten weeks later, Marc took his own life – and it is believed that Karl's death contributed to his decision to hang himself.

The pair's heartbroken mums, first cousins Norma Hardman and Hazel Guttridge, have sought solace in each other and, with the help of family, are attempting to come to terms with the tragedy.

Marc's mum Hazel said: "We're absolutely devastated. It's all like a bad dream.It was a terrific shock about Karl, and Marc was so upset by it. We think it's one of the reasons he did what he did.Marc was going through a difficult time.The boys grew up together. Norma lived literally round the corner in Dobcross and we both had three children. Karl and Marc were similar ages and we all went on holidays together.They were best friends. Marc even stayed over at Karl's house a few weeks before his accident. He was especially close to Karl who was a year older and always looked out for him. On his first day at Saddleworth School, Karl called for Marc so they could go there together.There was a two and a half month gap between their deaths and we assumed it would be a similar gap with the inquests, but I'm glad they came on the same day as we can get it over and done with together. I think some unknown forces had a hand in it. We're a very close family."

Karl's mum Norma added: "It's strange how it's worked out. It's uncanny the inquests being on the same day, but I suppose it's meant to be. The whole family were there to support each other."

Speaking from her Delph home, she added: "We all met at Karl's grave on his birthday and put flowers and tributes down. This is not the way it's supposed to be."

For Marc's birthday the family will be planting a 'Life for a Life' tree in his memory.

Hazel said: "We've had the shock of the deaths, the funerals, the inquests and now their birthdays. We are grateful that even though they had a short life they had a good life and still had that bond between them."