A YOUNG Carlisle woman with a 'passion' for helping others died because of her own actions – the result of an 'acute mental crisis' or a 'cry for help', a coroner ruled.

An inquest heard a series of tributes to 30-year-old Sally Siddiqui – including a statement from her mother, Jacqueline Roberts, who said her daughter devoted much of her time to helping others.

Though she kept her good deeds to herself, she was a ‘compulsive care giver’, she said in the statement to the coroner.

Miss Siddiqui volunteered at Carlisle Youth Zone, helped at the Knoxwood Wildlife Rescue Centre, was a qualified yoga teacher and training to be a counsellor.

Miss Siddiqui enjoyed her work in advertising. But when furloughed because of the pandemic, she became anxious – particularly for her ‘vulnerable’ father, whom she helped look after.

“She constantly worried about all the people she usually helped,” said her mother.

The inquest heard how Miss Siddiqui was in a relationship with a man who said she was “the happiest and bubbliest person you could ever meet”. But their relationship ended.

Miss Siddiqui had taken temporary packaging work with a friend, Stuart Leckey, who ran a business from his Carlisle home. She called him on July 20, clearly distressed.

She seemed hysterical, spoke of her ex-partner, and threatened to kill herself, he said. He went to her Dalton Avenue home, and spent time calming her, using breathing techniques.

He did the same the following day and saw her at 6pm when she called at his Latrigg Road home.

Again, she was upset, and spoke of having nothing to live for. The next morning, she seemed more erratic and he was more concerned. “I knew I needed to get Sally some help,” he said.

He told her he would make them a coffee and then get some ‘serious mental health’ help. Miss Siddiqui – called that day by a mental health crisis team – said she would first get a shower but 20 minutes later something ‘clicked’ in Mr Leckey’s head’ and he went upstairs to find her.

Tragically, Miss Siddiqui had taken her own life. She could not be revived. Mr Leckey added: “She was very motherly and had a passion for helping people; and she had a really good family.”

Coroner Kirsty Gomersal recorded a conclusion of death by misadventure. “It was clear she was a vibrant, caring young lady, who had many talents,” said Miss Gomersal.

Though Miss Siddiqui committed a deliberate act, it was likely it was either a cry for help or the result of an acute mental crisis rather than an attempt to end her life.

Anyone needing support is urged to reach out to the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.

Papyrus (working to stop young people struggling with life or at risk of suicide) is at www.papyrus-uk.org or call its Hopeline on 0800 068 4141.