Woman, 21, who would 'light up a room' found dead in her flat

A young woman who would "light up a room" was found dead in her flat by police.

Ellie Boswell lived alone in a city centre flat near Moorfields railway station. The 21-year-old went for a night out on Saturday, September 18, 2021 but, the following day her sister, Connah Proudman, was unable to contact her. Police were eventually called before Ellie was found in her flat having taken her own life.

Connah Proudman told the ECHO that her hard-working sister was seemingly "always happy". The 26-year-old said: "She was such a hard worker. She was an amazing singer. She was so happy and would light up any room she would walk into.

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"She had to work so hard to get into university. When she went to college she had to resit some of her GCSEs to make sure she got into uni. When she knew what she wanted, she'd make sure she got it."

The mental health worker, originally from Wythenshawe in Manchester, had moved to Merseyside with her sister around 12 years ago before going on to study performing arts at Edge Hill University. When she graduated she realised she wanted to work as a mental health support worker.

Connah, who now lives in Frodsham with her son Zaine, nine, said: "Ellie had just graduated from Edge Hill in the summer. She was working as a mental health support worker in the Wirral and then she decided she wanted to join the army in a similar role.

"They offered her a role that would run alongside a master's degree so she could be properly qualified. She had shown zero signs of depression, it was completely out of the blue. We thought there was more chance of her getting hit by a bus than taking her own life.

"She was living in a flat in Liverpool at the time. Then one day no one could get hold of her. We thought she had gone out the night before. I spoke to her on the Saturday night and I just thought she was rough. I thought she was either hungover in bed, or she'd gone out or maybe even lost her phone.

Ellie Boswell with her sister Connah Proudman (Connah Proudman)

"It got to the point where we had to get the police to break down her door. The toxicology report came back and she had hardly any alcohol in her system."

Ellie was laid to rest the day before her 22nd birthday on October 6, 2021, leaving behind Connah and their younger brother Frankie, 13.

Now, Connah is raising money in Ellie's name for PAPYRUS, a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional well-being in young people. She will be doing a sky dive next month in the hope of raising awareness about suicide among young people.

Connah wrote on her fundraising page: "PAPYRUS is an amazing charity with an amazing aim of the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional well-being. Whatever we can raise together in Ellie's memory for them will help so many people and hopefully stop another family from being broken like ours.

"I've chosen to do this to absolutely push myself out of my comfort zone. I've got to train hard in the gym to get down to a certain weight and I'm also not the most amazing with heights. I've got to keep focused and know there's only one reason I'm doing this, for Ellie and all of the other people that feel like Ellie did."

To read more or donate, click here.

The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.

PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.

Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.

Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.

Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.

Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk

Paul's Place - providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk

The Martin Gallier Project - offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk

James' Place - supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/

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