A MOTHER-of-two killed herself after a debilitating illness became too much to bear, an inquest heard.

Sheena Chew, 42, of Oak Terrace, Barnoldswick, took a massive overdose of anti-depressants following her nephew's engagement party in February.

Husband David told the inquest he had been married to Sheena for 16 years and that they had two sons, Dominic, 15 and David, 12.

They had moved to Oak Terrace in May last year following a history of depression suffered by Mrs Chew in her teens.

Mr Chew said she had improved in recent years but got worse after the onset of hypomyalgia, an ME-like disease which leaves the sufferer tired and worn down.

He said his wife had confined herself to a wheelchair and become increasingly withdrawn, refusing to answer the telephone or the front door, even to relatives.

He said she had tried to take her life before in November last year, although Mr Chew managed to stop her on that occasion. She also had a history of self-harm, Mr Chew said.

He said on the night his wife died the couple had been to a party to celebrate their nephew, Andrew Chew's, engagement party.

He added: "At the party she was full of herself but when she got back home she became very depressed.

"The only time I can think she may have taken the pills is when I went outside to have a cigarette and take the dog for a walk.

"The next morning I tried to wake her but could not and I called the ambulance."

Acting East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict that Mrs Chew had taken her own life.

He said: "She had made attempts previously and talked about ending her life and she had become more and more depressed. She took a huge overdose and I am sure beyond doubt that she took her own life."