Mother working for NHS killed herself after 'struggling with Covid'
Mother-of-two, 35, working for the NHS killed herself after ‘struggling with Covid restrictions, work and childcare during the pandemic’, inquest hears
- Sophie Cross, 35, struggled to juggle work, childcare and pandemic restrictions
- Mother-of-two was found in her home in Cardiff with suicide notes in July 2021
- A verdict of suicide was concluded at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Tuesday
- For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit their website
A mother-of-two working for the NHS killed herself after she struggled to cope with coronavirus restrictions, work and childcare during the pandemic, an inquest has heard.
Sophie Cross, 35, struggled while trying to juggle her work as a phlebotomist for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board with childcare and financial pressures as a single parent.
An inquest heard that Ms Cross, who had built her healthcare career working in intensive care before she became a phlebotomist, was a ‘loving mother’ to two children who had dedicated her life to helping others.
In a statement, Ms Cross’s father, Darren, said Ms Cross had suffered with post natal depression following the birth of her first child, and that she had struggled to cope with multiple relationship break-ups. He added that she was also ‘struggling with Covid restrictions as well as work and childcare’ when the pandemic hit.
The alarm was raised in July 2021 when her ex-partner arrived at her home in Caerau, Cardiff, and failed to get an answer when he knocked the door.
Sophie Cross, 35, struggled while trying to juggle her work as a phlebotomist for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board with childcare and financial pressures as a single parent during the coronavirus pandemic
PC Emyr Rees attended the address before he looked through the kitchen window and spotted two pieces of paper on the worktops.
PC Rees told the inquest in Pontypridd: ‘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 that read: ‘Don’t come in. Call the police.’
The inquest heard that Ms Cross’s devices, including her iPhone and iPad, were examined and revealed that she may have been having some ‘financial issues’.
Her father said Ms Cross had made an attempt on her life in January 2021 before she was referred to a crisis mental health team.
Ms Cross had made an attempt on her life in January 2021 before she was referred to a crisis mental health team
The inquest heard that Ms Cross spoke to a psychiatrist following her attempt on her life, who she told she was ‘angry about the break up of a recent relationship’.
She said she had been struggling with ‘disruption to the children’s routine’ and some financial problems. Ms Cross attended follow up appointments with the team before she was discharged.
Coroner Rachel Knight recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest in Pontypridd, South Wales.
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 Donna Follett raised over £7,000 following Sophie’s death.
Donna 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 call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or click here for details
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