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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Antony Thrower

'Beautiful' woman, 25, died after taking illegal slimming pills containing toxic chemical

A woman who died after taking illegal diet pills has been praised as "intelligent, beautiful and caring" in loving tributes from her heartbroken family.

Annie Gresham, 25, had a history of mental illness and was diagnosed with anorexia and emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD).

In November, she took a highly toxic chemical which is illegally sold as a weight-reduction product despite being not licensed for humans.

An inquest at Derby Coroner’s Court was told Annie was found in her pyjamas on a bridge overlooking the A38 where she told ambulance crews to leave her as she was "dying anyway".

She later told staff she had taken an overdose of the drug and, despite the work of medics at the hospital, she died the same night.

In a statement her family accused the "system" of failing their daughter.

They said: "Annie Gresham (nee Cooper) was a much loved daughter, sister, auntie and friend.

"She was intelligent, caring, beautiful, and had an amazing sense of humour. We miss her every day.

Annie was found in her pyjamas on a bridge overlooking the A38 after taking the illegal slimming pills (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

"We would like to express our sincere thanks to the police, ambulance service and staff at the Royal Derby Accident and Emergency department.

"We had frequent contact with all three organisations, and their professionalism, care and compassion have been amazing throughout. We cannot thank them enough.

"Annie received compassionate care from many individuals in the mental health sector over the years and for this we are truly grateful.

"What we would like to happen is for the individuals who worked with Annie to examine their decisions and actions, and question whether with hindsight, they would do things differently. Then to remember this next time, for the next patient and their family.

"In addition we hope that professionals and people in a position of power will challenge the level of care for mental health in this country.

"In our opinion the system failed Annie and will continue to fail others unless there is a drastic change."

Peter Nieto, area coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, recorded a narrative conclusion as there was "no indication" Annie had planned to take her own life.

He said: “It was clear she had consciously taken the tablets on 19 November. That can't have occurred accidentally.

"But she must have known that there was a high likelihood that she would have been seen and therefore she would likely have then been taken to hospital, where she would have received some treatment.

"Had she taken herself somewhere private, then I think the case would be different.”

A note was found after Annie died but the coroner said it did not contain any suicidal content - although it could be interpreted as a "farewell note".

Mr Nieto added: “I hope the inquest has been of some help in some way and I give my condolences to you for Annie's death at such a young age."

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