A Blackburn woman died from an insulin overdose after the death of her husband and her dad's cancer diagnosis, an inquest heard.

Margaret Bamford, 49, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital on August 15 after being found unresponsive at her home surrounded by empty medication packets.

Coroner Laura Fox outlined that she was found collapsed and had taken the drug, which belonged to her decease husband, and was admitted to critical care on August 9.

Having suffered with depression and suicidal thoughts she had been prescribed medications to treat depression, body pains, migraines, stomach acidity and high cholesterol.

Receiving the drugs for seven years, from her partner and carer, they were administered at the appropriate times.

In March, she spoke with her GP, Dr Sinner, who said she had discussed the impact of the bereavement, her chronic pain and her father’s cancer diagnosis and that she felt she didn’t have any purpose.

However, Dr Sinner suggested that she did not suffer from palpable mental health concerns.

Ms Fox said: “It felt too much for her. She stated she felt suicidal for a long time and said that if she did intend to take her own life, she would do it with recreational drugs.”

Evidence provided by David Watson, a doctor at Royal Blackburn Hospital, said she had taken a mixed overdose of drugs and was sedated and ventilated.

Sedation was later stopped to assess any brain damage, but she showed no signs of waking up.

Support was continued in the hope that as the drugs exited her system she would wake up, but by August 12 it was found her movements were impaired and that she suffered severe brain damage.

Following discussions with the family she was removed from supported treatment and died surrounded by her family.

Ms Fox said: “On the balance of probability there is not sufficient evidence, that Margaret set about taking her own life.

“Whilst she did have suicidal thoughts, but she had no active plans and if she did, she would do it with recreational drugs.

“Margaret did not leave any letter, but not withstanding this she was found with empty packets of medication including insulin. She did have a history of overdoses and had been diagnosed with opioid dependence.”

Recording a narrative conclusion, she stated that Margaret died from a hypoglycaemic brain injury which was caused by an insulin overdose, but it remains unclear of her intentions.

The original cause of death noted by doctors at Royal Blackburn Hospital was hypoglycaemic brain injury caused by an insulin overdose with an additional clause of depression. However, the depression element was removed by Ms Fox.