‘Girls were Amber’s greatest success’

Mother-of-two Amber Beasant, of Asquith Street, was found dead in her bedroom on the evening of 12th July 2010, an inquest heard.

Earlier that day she had told her mum she wasn’t feeling well and had gone upstairs to her room.

Her mum Christine, later went up to check on her but found she had taken her own life.

An inquest into her death at Lincoln Cathedral Centre heard how Amber, herself a mother-of-two, had a history of anxiety and depression.

Her friends and family were visibly upset at Thursday morning’s hearing.

Christine, 56, said: “It’s very difficult for me living alone now at the house.”

“I’ve still got some of her things, it’s hard to face it. But I will when I get chance.”

“Amber was talented in so many ways and we miss her charisma so much,” added her mum, whose partner Andrew Cowal was one of five witnesses who provided statements before the court.

On the day of Amber’s death, Mr Cowal had arranged to meet Christine at her home at 5.30pm.

“We went into the living room. I expected to see Amber but she was not there,” his statement read.

“Then I heard Christine cry out ‘no, no’ on the landing.”

They both frantically tried to save her and called the emergency services, who attempted CPR, but she was described as ‘cold’ on their arrival.

Deputy coroner for West Lincolnshire Paul Smith heard how Amber had suffered from anxiety since 2006.

She had sought help through her doctor and the mental health team in Gainsborough, but had failed to keep to some of her appointments.

The court heard how she had overdosed on tablets twice in the last four years.

“She went to her room around 1pm and said she was feeling unwell,” said Mr Smith. “She was found around 5.35pm.”

“I have to say I’m afraid there is little doubt that Amber had met her death as a result of her own actions.”

Mr Smith concluded Amber took her own life and stated he could only give the verdict if he was ‘satisfied beyond any reasonable doubt’.

Her mum, though, said she will remember her as a happy young girl.

“From being born she was a total ball of energy – a child you would really notice – intelligent, inquisitive and enchanting, with her big, blue eyes.”

“She was confident, daring, a practical joker and extremely funny,” she said.

Singing and drama were two of Amber’s passions and she took part in several performances with the Sadie Graham School of Dance, where she passed a number of gymnastic dance examinations, and the former Castle Hills Community Arts College.

Amber took her GCSEs at De Aston School in Market Rasen and went on to study beauty therapy at Lincoln College.

She gained her NVQ Level Three at Retford International College.

Christine said: “She had a real artistic and creative streak.”

“She wanted to be a beautician on a cruise ship and was offered an interview but then discovered she was pregnant.”

“Her two little girls were her greatest achievement and she adored them.”

Her daughters, three-year-old Brooke and Courtney, aged two, now live with their dad, who had shared custody with Amber.

“We’re so thankful she will live on through them,” added Christine.