A MUM of four who struggled with the loss of her former partner took her own life after expressing desires to ‘be with them’.

Kerry Felsing was found dead at her flat in Egerton Court, Barrow on December 20, an inquest was told yesterday.

An inquest held at Cockermouth Coroner's Court heard the 37-year-old had struggled with an alcohol problem and mental health issues plus the loss of her father and of her former partner Nikki Lavery.

He died on Boxing Day 2017. The coroner said Kerry was struggling on the anniversary of Nikki’s death and decided ‘enough was enough’.

Her doctor said Kerry had been in contact regarding issues with her mental health on and off since 2005 and had taken overdoses in the past as well as attempting to take her own life.

Family and friends of Kerry had not heard from her for four days when she was reported as a missing person to police, the inquest was told.

Her friend of 10 years Tracey Mooney, who also resided at Egerton Court, said Kerry began ‘going downhill’ 18 months ago and was ‘starting fights’ and ‘drinking more’.

“We became very close and Kerry was in high spirits most of the time,” Tracey said.

“She would have good days where she was a lovely person but then would drink and cause problems.

“She was a generous person and would always share her money.”

Tracey said Kerry would become ‘depressed’ when talking about her four children, who were all taken into care.

She told Tracey she would self-harm and ‘never got over it’ the death of her former partner Nikki Lavery, who died in December 2017 after struggling with mental health issues.

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“When she had a drink, she said she wanted to be with Nikki,” Tracey said.

“She had been through so much in her life, it had changed her as a person. She was still sad about the loss of her father and Nikki.”

Tracey said Kerry would ‘behave erratically’ due to her drinking and in the past had said she ‘wanted to go the same way’ as her ex-partner, Nikki.

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Kerry’s mum Amanda Anderson described her daughter as a ‘happy go-lucky child’ who attended Furness College and went into part-time work waitressing.

She did not complete her time at college and remained unemployed since.

Kerry became pregnant at 19 with her first child and experienced difficulties in the relationship.

She went on to have three children who all went into care, the inquest heard.

Kerry began a new relationship and had one more child. She was able to get her three other children back into her care.

However, she began experiencing difficulties in this relationship, which encouraged the couple to start drinking, resulting in all four children going into care.

After a stint in prison, Kerry moved to Egerton Court and became ‘involved with the wrong crowd’, the inquest heard.

Her mum told the court that Kerry was known to have mental health problems and was prescribed medication for this and also had alcohol-induced epilepsy.

She struggled financially and was living without heating or electricity in the last few months, it was said.

Kerry’s sister Elaine Smith said she had made plans to meet her in town and was ‘excited’ to see her but never spoke after December 15.

Kerry’s landlord last saw her on December 15 when she was in ‘good spirits’ and was assisting her with GP and housing appointments.

After attempts to contact Kerry were unsuccessful, her landlord got in touch with Kerry’s mum and advised her to report her as missing to the police.

Officers entered the property on Monday December 20 where Kerry was found dead.

Coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw concluded Kerry’s death was suicide.

He said: “For a mother to have their children taken away from her is a very hard thing to have to endure.

“Alcohol seems to have been a problem for her and got her into trouble and caused problems through her life. She had previous suicidal thoughts and episodes and her father and former partner Nikki had both taken their lives.”

If you are struggling, call the Samaritans on 116 123, Mind on 0300 123 3393, Every Life Matters - for Suicide Bereavement Support on 07908 537541 or the local home treatment team for Barrow on 01229 404360 for support