TRIBUTES have been paid to a young mum found dead at her Hampshire home.

Avril Dianne Martin was discovered by a police officer after overdosing on a prescribed drug, Winchester Coroners’ Court heard.

However, coroner Simon Burge said he could not be certain the 24-year-old, of Winchester Road, Fair Oak, meant to take her own life, adding it could have been accidental.

His report stated that Mrs Martin had suffered from stress due to several factors, which included losing contact with her three-year-old son, threat of eviction, as well as financial worries.

It was also heard that the mother of one had had a “life-long” history of mental illness since the age of nine.

At the hearing, her family said she lived with “strength and dignity”, and was “a strong, vibrant person”.

They added: “Even though she was completely afflicted towards the end she was still caring throughout.

“Right up until the final moments she was still trying to do the right thing. It’s really important that that’s recognised in her memory.

“We want a good positive legacy. She fought with strength and dignity and her child is in good health. We want her heroism in the face of adversity to be the focus.”

It was heard that Mrs Martin had been in contact with mental health professionals in the lead-up to her death.

A Southern Health spokes-person said: “Southern Health established a routine with her in line with her preferences for contact and receiving support from the Community Mental Health Team.”

They added that an investigation carried out after her death “highlighted some areas where our processes could have been better”.

Mr Burge recorded a conclusion of a drug-related death.