A WOMAN who was suffering from a long term medical condition causing her mobility issues and requiring the need of a wheelchair, took her own life, an inquest has heard.

Susan Kiernan, 69, a retired occupational therapist, died at her home address in Regent Avenue, Skipton, on September 20 last year, coroner Jonathan Leach told the inquest sitting in Northallerton.

Mr Leach read from statements including one from pathologist Dr Gray who conducted a post-mortem examination.

He said toxicology reports found alcohol and the antidepressant, mirtazapine, in her system. Other indications present on examination suggested she had taken her own life.

The inquest heard from Mrs Kiernan's husband, Michael, a retired probation officer, who said he had no idea his wife was contemplating taking her own life, even though she had attempted to once around 10 years ago and did suffer from anxiety from time to time.

Mr Kiernan, described as a loving and supportive husband, said they had a normal married life and both enjoyed travelling extensively, living life to the full.

He said: "On the evening of September 19, friends visited and we had dinner and drinks. They left just after midnight and Susan told me there were issues in relation to her catheter and she was staying downstairs.

"At about 5.15am I woke and went to check on her and found her in her wheelchair. She was cold to the touch and I phoned the ambulance."

Mr Kiernan said he was very shocked at the discovery. He said his wife had given no indication of her intentions. He said she sometimes got very low about her condition but they always talked things through together. At the time of her death they were thinking of visiting London and Berlin.

He said he wanted to offer his gratitude to the ambulance staff who he said tried so hard to bring her round without any success and that he appreciated all they had done.

She was declared deceased at 6am by paramedics.

Detective Sergeant Barker visited the home which he had been adapted to assist Mrs Kiernan bearing in mind her condition and was satisfied the death was not suspicious.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Leach, offered his sincere condolences to Mr Kiernan.

The Samaritans say that whatever you're going through, you can call them for free, at any time, 365 days a year, from any phone, on 116 123.