Bullying claim at teenager's inquest

Elaine (left) was a donor for her sister Christine

A schoolgirl hailed as a hero after providing a bone marrow transplant for her sister, died from a massive paracetamol overdose, an inquest has heard.

Elaine Swift died in Newcastle's Freeman Hospital in November 2001 after undergoing a liver transplant

The 15-year-old from Hartlepool needed the transplant after taking an overdose of paracetamol tablets.

Her father claims the teenager was the victim of bullying after she donated bone marrow to her sister, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1997.

Bone marrow

Elaine was a pupil at Dyke House Comprehensive School in Hartlepool, after being transferred from another school in the town.

At the inquest at Hartlepool Civic Centre on Monday, Elaine's father Bernard Swift, said his daughter was bullied at school and that led to her death.

He said the publicity she received for donating bone marrow to her sister made her the target of envy from other pupils.

Elaine was featured in the local news media on Teesside when she donated bone marrow for her younger sister Christine.

Bullying reported

Mr Swift said he did not believe his daughter, who said she had taken 15 tablets but may have swallowed more, meant to kill herself.

Hartlepool coroner Malcolm Donnelly said he was not satisfied Elaine meant to commit suicide.

Mr Swift reported the bullying to the police and to the local education authority.

Shortly after his daughter's death a spokesman for Hartlepool LEA said they were satisfied that both schools had acted properly.