A GRANDMOTHER who survived a stroke and kidney cancer took her own life after finding out she was suffering from an incurable brain tumour, an inquest heard.

Betty Baines, 73, of Bernard House, Henrys Walk, Ilford, took a lethal cocktail of painkillers and sleeping tablets on March 29 this year as she did not want to face the illness, the court was told.

Mrs Baines was described as an active woman who enjoyed bingo and helped look after elderly neighbours, as well as taking pride in her appearance.

She had previously asked nurses to help her end her own life when she found out the illness was terminal but seemed to have “turned a corner” on leaving hospital, the court heard.

Her daughter, Jacqueline Griffin, of Bishopsfield, Harlow, said: “We were making so many plans and we were going to have a nice weekend away.

“She wasn't presenting like she needed help. I didn't tell the doctor to get round to the flat.”

Mrs Baines had also suffered a stroke but made a near-complete recovery, as well as beating kidney cancer.

Her family tried to keep the diagnosis of a terminal brain tumour from her, fearing she would be unable to cope.

But she became aware of it because of the ward she was treated on in hospital and became depressed, the court heard.

She and her two daughters had been planning a holiday to the Lake District but Mrs Baines died before they could take the trip.

Coroner Dr Elizabeth Stearns recorded a verdict of suicide at Walthamstow Coroner's Court.