The mother of a 'kind, intelligent and loving' young woman who tragically took her own life over worries about starting university says she hopes her daughter has finally found peace.

Chanel Poole, 19, died in her family home in Sevenoaks on September 14.

The former West Kent College pupil thrived academically and was set to study biomedical science at Nottingham Trent University after receiving an unconditional offer.

Her mother Ann Smith said her daughter had big dreams and hoped to one day work for an NHS laboratory.

Miss Smith, 48 said: "She would do anything for anybody, she always put others first.

"She would buy people presents randomly. Sometimes I would come home from work and there would be flowers or chocolates waiting for me.

"Chanel was super intelligent, and not just academically, she had so much knowledge of the world."

While she was excited to start her course, an inquest at the Shepway Centre in Maidstone also heard Miss Poole, who had battled with her mental health, had grown anxious about the changes in her life.

She was due to move to university on Saturday, September 26, the day before her 20th birthday. She died just 12 days before.

When police arrived just after 7pm, paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service were attempting CPR, after Miss Poole was found hanged, but despite their best efforts she couldn't be saved.

Miss Smith said: "There was nothing out of the ordinary that day. I spoke to her at 10.30am on my break at work and she said she'd bring the dog up to meet me later.

"We just had a normal conversation, we both said "I love you" and that was it.

"I knew she was struggling, it had been going on for a couple of years. I've seen her on her really bad days but I never could have seen this happening.

"I kept saying to myself I should have known, but how do you know?

"She was my best friend. To everybody else in the world she was a happy and caring young lady but behind closed doors she was sad.

"I totally admire how brave she was and I respect the decision she has made.

"I am not angry at her at all but I am absolutely broken.

'To everybody else in the world she was a happy and caring young lady but behind closed doors she was sad....'

Summing up the inquest, coroner Alan Blunsdon said: "What happened to Chanel is made even more tragic by the close relationship she had with her mother.

"She appears to have been anxious over her academic progress.

"This self doubt appeared to play on her mind and lead to the deliberate act that day."

Miss Poole was laid to rest at Kemnal Park Cemetery in Chislehurst last month.

More than £4,800 was raised through a GoFundMe page to support the family with her funeral costs.

Miss Smith is urging anyone who may be struggling to talk to their loved ones.

She added: "Chanel spoke to me a lot and it did seem to help her and I want other people to know that talking is important."

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website.

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