A mum-of-two working for the NHS took her own life while struggling with financial difficulties, an inquest heard.
Sophie Cross, 35, built her healthcare career working in intensive care before moving on to become a phlebotomist. An inquest heard the "loving mother" had worked for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board after dedicating her life to helping others.
The alarm was raised in July 2021 when her ex-partner turned up at her home in Caerau, Cardiff, and failed to get an answer at the door. PC Emyr Rees attended the address before he looked through the kitchen window and spotted two pieces of paper on the worktops.
PC Rees said: "I walked up to the window and on the kitchen countertop there were two pieces of A4 placed out neatly. When we looked at the notes it was immediately clear that they were suicide notes."
PC Rees said officers made their way upstairs to find another note on the landing floor. The inquest heard Ms Cross' iPhone and iPad were examined and revealed she may have been having "financial issues".
In a statement, her father Darren Cross said he kept in close contact with his daughter after he emigrated to Australia. Mr Cross said his daughter had suffered with post-natal depression following the birth of her first child and also struggled to cope with multiple relationship break ups.
He said his daughter was "struggling with Covid restrictions as well as work and childcare" after the pandemic hit. Mr Cross said his daughter made an attempt on her life in January 2021 before she was referred to a crisis mental health team.
He added: "She was a loving mother to her two children and was adored by everyone."
The inquest heard Ms Cross spoke to a psychiatrist following her suicide attempt where she said she was "angry about the break up of a recent relationship". She said she had been struggling with "disruption to the children's routine" while home-schooling along with financial problems.
The inquest heard Ms Cross, who was taking anti-depressants, attended follow up appointments with the team before being discharged. Toxicology reports showed no alcohol in her system and only prescribed medications duloxetine and promethazine.
Her cause of death was given as "pressure to he neck consistent with hanging". Coroner Rachel Knight recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest in Pontypridd.
She said: "It is clear that she was very loved and I'm so sorry that the family have lost her in this way."
A fundraising page set up by a friend raised more than £7,000 following Sophie's death. Her friend wrote: "Sadly we lost our beautiful Sophie too soon. Anyone who knew Sophie knew how much she cared for and looked after others.
"She was always a good friend to anyone she met and would do anything for anyone. Most importantly Sophie was the most amazing mother to her two beautiful children."
For confidential support the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.
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