A CORONER has paid tribute to a single mum of two who devoted her life to her sons.

Deputy Coroner Alan Walsh said Dawn Whittingham’s sons “should be proud of their mother in the way she brought them up and devoted her life to them”.

An inquest into her death heard hardworking Miss Whittingham was found at the foot of the stairs at the family’s home in Fox Street, Horwich, by her 20-year-old son, Callum. She is known to have returned from her job as a lifeguard at Horwich Leisure Centre to the home she shared with Callum and Lewis, aged 18, made several telephone calls and walked her dog.

Miss Whittingham, aged 47, suffered a severe head injury after falling downstairs on September 6 last year and died the following day having never regained consciousness.

Pathologist Dr Jonathan Pearson said Miss Whittingham had consumed alcohol prior to her death which could have caused some unsteadiness.

He said she had died from the head injury.

Mr Walsh recorded a verdict of accidental death.