'Lottery winner died after struggling to cope with newfound wealth'
A woman who died in a suspected suicide had been struggling to cope after winning the lottery, an inquest has heard.
Helen Ford was hit and killed by a train in January after she walked onto tracks near her home in the United Kingdom.
The 54-year-old, who won nearly $1 million in a lottery draw 12 years ago, reportedly suffered from bipolar disorder.
At a coronial inquest into her death, the court was told she suffered feelings of ‘loneliness and despair’ and that her mood would often change dramatically.
Ms Ford’s psychiatrist, Dr Martyn Davies, said she would often overdose as a ‘cry for help’, but would then return to her ‘normal happy and smiling self’.
Ms Ford had previously spoken about her battle with manic depression and how she had struggled to manage her finances.
“People seem to think I should be happy because of the lottery”, she said.
“But it doesn’t buy health or solve problems. People who think if they win £30m it will solve their problems, it won’t.
“If I had won £30m it wouldn’t have made me better. Money isn’t what’s important in life and people should remember that".
However Cardiff assistant coroner Thomas Atherton said he would not declare Ms Ford’s death a suicide.
“I am not satisfied there is enough evidence to return a verdict that Helen Ford took her own life”, he told the court.
“Helen died as a consequence of being hit by a train – her intentions at the time were not clear”.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14
News break - April 29
