Charley, 14, was in 'good spirits' after returning from a friend's house... hours later tragedy struck

The parents of a 14 year old who took her own life have said they 'will never come to terms' with her death. Described as a 'fun' teenager with a love for fashion and family holidays, Charley Pointon sadly took her own life in her family home on February 9.

Following an inquest this week, it was confirmed that Charley had committed suicide.

Her parents, Lisa and Steve Pointon, said in a statement following the hearing: "Charley had a fun personality with a smile that lit up a room. She loved her family and friends deeply and had a passion for fashion and holidays, with her favourite place being New York, which we visited four times.

"The death of Charley, as a family, is beyond words as we struggle to navigate through the days without her. As a family we will never come to terms with our loss and the pain we endure every day."

According to the inquest, Charley, who lived in Bucknall, near Stoke, was in 'good spirits' on the day she died, attending school as usual, sending normal text messages to her mother, and returning from a friend's house by 8pm. The family raised the alarm by 10.30pm, but sadly, Charley was pronounced dead at the hospital, reports Stoke on Trent Live.

North Staffordshire's assistant coroner, Duncan Ritchie, said: "Charley Pointon was a schoolgirl who lived with her loving family and she had a normal and happy life.

"My short form conclusion is one of suicide. Having considered the evidence I am driven to the conclusion that Charley did this deliberate act to end her life and at the time this was her aim as a result of her actions. She left a note stating her intention not to be alive any longer."

Charley was a pupil at The Discovery Academy, in Staffordshire, who said the school community has been left shaken after the sudden loss.

Helplines and websites

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/