A HOSPITAL worker killed herself after struggling with the fact she was yet to get married or have children, an inquest heard.

Rachel Gow had also suffered with depression following the death of her mother from cancer and felt she "wasn't where she should be in life" as she approached the age of 30.

The 29-year-old, who worked as an administrator at Royal Bolton Hospital, was concerned she had underachieved in life, her boyfriend Anton Tsarev told the Burnley Coroners Court.

He said that in terms of her career and having children she felt like her siblings were "doing better" than her.

Last night her grieving family urged others suffering with depression to seek help.

In a statement read to the court, Miss Gow's brother Stephen Best and her sister Sarah Davidson said: “Rachel had been a happy child who had lots of friends. She loved to dance and play the violin.

"She was very close to her sister Sarah. She was very academic and following A levels she studied at Lancaster University.

"She also made people laugh. She was proud to be at Lancaster and proud to be a dizzy blonde.

“Her greatest wish was to settle down and get married.”

Miss Gow was found dead at her home in Haslingden on November 1.

The health worker had previously seen a psychiatrist about her problems, but decided to end the sessions in September last year, the inquest heard.

Family members cited a number of reasons for her depression over several years, including the divorce of her parents, and then her mum Martha's death in 2011.

Miss Gow had three break-ups before her relationship with Mr Tsarev, who moved into her family home in 2013.

However, despite him moving in, she became constantly worried he would leave her.

On the day she died, Mr Tsarev had received a text message from a girl Miss Gow had been jealous of previously.

Although he tried to reassure her, she locked herself in her room, he told the inquest.

He left the house and later received a text message from her wishing him "all the best". He returned home to find his girlfriend lying on the floor.

Coroner Richard Taylor, who recorded a verdict of suicide, said: “We have a girl who is severely troubled by a number of aspects of her life.

"As I understand it she was having a slightly more positive year because of new employment. But she clearly had difficulties and at some stage she purchased the items with which she took her own life.

''It appears from her actions she did that with intent to end her life."

After the inquest, her sister said: "If anyone is having difficulties then I'd just like to ask them to please ask for help from someone such as their friends and family or the Samaritans."

  • Anyone suffering from depression can call Samaritans on 08457 909090.