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The sister of a “bubbly, kind and funny” nurse described how “all I do is cry” after she committed suicide while fearing her account of domestic violence would not be believed.
Alexandra Reid, of Norris Green, was found dead on February 24, leaving her family devastated.
A recent investigation into the death of the 30-year-old ruled that Alexandra took her own life after reporting allegations of domestic abuse, and she feared no one would believe her.
When speaking to ECHO about the difference Alexandra made in people’s lives, Katy Reid said that her sister was “loved by everyone.”
Katy said, “I don’t know anyone who didn’t like me. Everyone is really heartbroken about what happened.
“She was good to all her friends and was always there for them no matter what.
“Even if they called her in the middle of the night, she would go and have a cup of tea with them, she was that kind of person.”
Katy, 36, said her younger sister Alexandra always had an ambition to be a nurse and wanted to care for others.
Working as a community nurse, her work saw her make meaningful connections with her patients and she had long-lasting relationships with some of them.
Katy said, “He loved his job.
“She followed me in a way because I am a nurse, there are five years between us. I became a nurse and she really followed in my footsteps.
“He really took the time for his patients and got to know them.
“She also had long-term patients and she really got to know them. She got cards and gifts from them because of the way she was with them.”
Katy added that Alexandra was very close to her uncles, Paul and Chris Reid, as well as her grandfather, Jim Reid, who were “very proud” of her when she graduated as a nurse.
During Alexandra’s investigation, the Liverpool and Wirral area coroner Anita Bhardwaj asked the family about Alexandra and the court heard how she often took the time to buy food for her patients and go “the extra mile for them.”
Outside of work, Katy said the couple enjoyed vacations together, always texted, and were very close.
She said: “We had a lot of vacations together and she and I went on some trips together. She had really good jokes and she was really witty, she was starving and she always had a good response.
“Her taste in music would always make you laugh too, she would go from listening to something in the 1940s to rap, where she would know every word.
“Honestly, she would make you laugh out loud and could always cheer you up if you were depressed.”
The Gerard Majella courthouse also heard moving tributes to Alexandra as Katy and her mother, Annette Leonard, were urged to look back on happier times with Alexandra.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to speak up, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you feel, or if you are concerned about being overheard, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- Childline (0800 1111) has a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number will not appear on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organization that supports teenagers and young adults who feel suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity that provides counseling and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a bad mood, or have suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for children and adults affected by bullying.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Youth Counseling Service – Provides mental health and emotional wellness services for Liverpool children, youth and families. tel: 015 177 1025 email: [email protected]
- Paul’s Place – Provides free counseling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: [email protected]
Speaking at the investigation, Annette said: “She was fun, she was a lot of fun. And she was kind and generous.
“She was loved by everyone who knew her.
“She meant the world to us and made a difference in the lives of everyone she touched.”
Katie added: “She was a brilliant nurse. She was really smart and kind, she was such a cheerful person. “
In addition to Katy and Annette, the family said Alexandra’s death had “devastated” her uncles and grandfather.
During Alexandra’s investigation it was alleged that she was suffering emotional, physical and financial abuse.
Ms. Bhardwaj said that Alexandra “undoubtedly intended” to take her own life due to this alleged abuse and for fear that police officers would receive false accusations about her.
The court was informed that a police investigation had been carried out and that a man had pleaded not guilty to the assault charges.
As the family tries to come to terms with their loss, Katy talked about how much she has missed her best friend ever since.
She said: “It has been horrendous, it has been absolutely horrendous.
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“I am absolutely devastated and so is my mother. There are days when all I do is cry, I just miss her. It has been difficult trying to go on without her, she was my go-to person and we would talk to her. To each other. all the time.
“We would text each other, then we would be at each other’s house for a cup of tea.
“Our lives won’t be the same without her, my life will never be the same without her, my mother’s life will never be the same. I can’t tell you how heartbroken I am, it’s hard to function without her.”
Speaking about mental health and seeking support, Katy said, “It is very important to talk to someone. You are not alone and there are people who can help you.
“Even if you think something about your partner, you can talk to people.
“It can happen to anyone, in any area of life.”
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