Mum-of-two who worked for NHS killed herself after battling with childcare issues during Covid lockdown
A MUM who worked for the NHS killed herself after struggling to cope with Covid restrictions, work and childcare, an inquest heard.
Sophie Cross, 35 - described as a "loving mother" of two - suffered from the breakdown of relationships and financial woes amid the pandemic.
Her father Darren said that she had also battled post-natal depression following the birth of her first child.
He said she was "struggling with Covid restrictions as well as work and childcare' when the pandemic hit".
The alarm was raised after he ex-partner received no response when he went to her door in Cardiff, Wales in July 2021.
The inquest heard that PC Emyr Rees arrived and spotted two pieces of paper as he looked through the kitchen window.
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PC Rees said that it was "clear" that these were suicide notes, while another on the landing read: "Don't come in. Call the police."
An examination of her phone and iPad revealed that she may have been having "financial issues".
Darren added that Sophie had previously attempted suicide in January that year and had been referred to a crisis mental health team.
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The inquest heard that she had told a psychiatrist that she was "angry about the break up of a recent relationship".
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She had also said she was having difficulty with her finances and "disruption" to her kids' routine.
Sophie attended follow-up appointments before being discharged.
Corner Rachel Knight record a verdict of suicide.
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 has received over £7,000 of donations.
Donna Follett, who set up the page, 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."
