A BROMSGROVE woman gave away thousands of pounds to charity before hanging herself, a coroner’s court has heard.

Michelle Kingham, who suffered from mental health issues and alcoholism, took her own life on July 30 but had been generously giving away her money to 23 worthy causes beforehand.

Geraint Williams, senior Worcestershire coroner, concluded at the Stourport inquest yesterday, (September 15), that the cause of the 54-year-old's death was suicide.

He said: “I can be sure that Miss Kingham intended to kill herself. She would have known exactly what the outcome of her actions would be.”

The unemployed chef, who was described as “vibrant” and “strong-minded” in a family statement, was discovered dead by her housemate when he returned from work.

Michael Price, who met Miss Kingham at Middlesex University, found his friend motionless in the garage of their home in Moorfield Drive with a chain of his ties which she used to hang herself. All of the doors in the house were locked and there was no sign of any disturbance.

A post-mortem examination conducted by pathologist Dr Paul Geddy showed that the medical cause of death was hanging and that no alcohol or drugs – except a small, therapeutic dose of prescribed medication - was in her system.

Miss Kingham struggled with depression and panic attacks and despite regular offers of further help from mental health services she steadfastly refused.

Evidence provided by her GP revealed a history of deliberate acts of self-harm and that a completed suicide attempt was considered “unavoidable”.