A MUM has paid a heartbreaking tribute following the tragic death of her 21-year-old daughter.
Emily Whittaker, who has been affectionately described as the “life of the party,” was discovered next to a city centre canal.
The young woman, from Salford, was found dead close to Hannover Street in Audenshaw, Manchester, just months after she was sectioned at a mental health ward.
In the wake of her devastating death on July 20, 2024, Emily’s mother Julie has now spoken out at her late daughter’s inquest.
The woman battled with delusional beliefs and hallucinations, which led her to being sectioned at an all-female mental health ward in Salford in January 2024.
She was admitted after refusing to have her blood taken, believing that it wad going to be sold to the Kardashians, reports Manchester Evening News.
An inquest at Bolton Coroner’s Court heard how Emily, who was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, may have been suffering from psychosis or emotional unstable disorder.
It is believed that she hid this from mental health workers and she was released from care shortly before her death, despite only speaking to staff by text.
The inquest heard how Emily believed she was mixed race, Cuban and Mexican, when she was actually of White and Irish descent.
She also hid her toiletries as she believed her skin was being bleached against her will.
Addressing the court, Julie said that her daughter had become very good at masking and was able to hide her delusional beliefs from mental health professionals.
The inquest also heard that when Emily was questioned, she would often claim that she did not have any mental health issues and did not need any support.
This led her to be discharged after ten days.
She was then referred to the community mental health team due to not exhibiting any signs of psychotic behaviour or delusional speech.
However, just a months later, she was found dead, with the cause being recorded as hanging.
Health officials believed that she may have been suffering form emotional unstable disorder instead.
The inquest heard how Julie believed that certain teams at the Greater Manchester Mental Health set up were dismissive of her daughter’s case.
She claimed that Emily did not receive the right care nor was she looked after by staff with adequate experience.
Julie added that she would often choose to communicate by text to avoid voicing her delusions.
When she asked members of staff on the witness stand why Emily’s behaviour wasn’t viewed as psychosis, she was told the actions were in keeping with her autism and mustism and her texts were coherent.
Staff claimed that nothing came up of that delusional content during her stay on the ward.
In a touching tribute to her daughter Julie described Emily as a popular young woman who was the “life of the party” and “lit up any room she was in.”
The grieving mother told the inquest her daughter died too young.
She added that Emily “will forever be remembered and remain in her heart.”
Julie has gone on to carry out multiple campaigns to raise awareness about the treatment of neurodivergent people both in the workplace and in care systems.
Consultant pathologist, Patrick Waugh, recorded her cause of death as hanging.
The inquest continues.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
