A MUCH-loved mother-of-three and district nurse who died last year was described as a “very special and beautiful person” at her inquest.

Susan Badger, of Redcar, died suddenly, of multiple organ failure, aged just 44 – leaving behind three sons.

Her son Ashley, 23, told the Middlesbrough inquest that his mother was “a caring person who would do anything for anyone”.

But for the last couple of years of her life she had battled with depression and anxiety after splitting from her husband.

Friend, Katherine Suggitt, said she had supported Mrs Badger when she admitted to her family that she had been drinking to cope, and that the district nurse, who was off sick from work, had tried hard to quit, with help from her GP and, finally, in rehab.

“She fought so hard to stop the alcohol and sought as much help as she could,” said Mrs Suggitt.

Mrs Badger was admitted to James Cook University Hospital on August 12 last year with severe jaundice and cirrhosis of the liver. She died four days later.

“Sue was a very special person who was loved by a lot of people," said Mrs Suggitt.  She was a wonderful mother to her three boys and had a very good career in nursing and was well respected by her bosses, colleagues and by the patients in her care.

“When she died a light in my life went with her. It was an honour and a privilege to have her as a friend.”