An inquest has concluded that a gifted 12-year-old rugby player from Warrington took her own life after suffering from mental health issues she successfully concealed from her loved ones and professionals.
A Tragic Day in Great Sankey
Laura Spreadbury was found at her family home in Great Sankey, Warrington, on 29 June last year. She had spent the day out with her father, younger sister, and a friend prior to the tragedy.
Her father, John Spreadbury, administered emergency first aid until paramedics arrived, Warrington Coroner's Court heard. Laura was rushed to Warrington Hospital but showed no signs of life. Resuscitation attempts ceased at 7.10pm, and she was formally pronounced dead at 9.04pm after her parents had spent precious final moments with her.
A Pattern of Hidden Struggles
Area Coroner for Cheshire, Victoria Davies, recorded a conclusion of suicide. She stated Laura had experienced 'mental health difficulties' over the preceding two years and had previously disclosed self-harm to her parents.
Medical records revealed that in March last year, Laura told a doctor she was having suicidal thoughts and did not wish to be alive. This led to a referral for weekly cognitive behavioural therapy sessions after she was found with a knife on school premises.
However, the inquest heard Laura was adept at 'masking' her true feelings, telling professionals what she believed they wanted to hear. In her final therapy session on 16 June, she expressed no active plan or interest in ending her life.
"Laura was very guarded with her feelings and capable of allowing professionals and her family a small insight that she allowed, not her true feelings," Ms Davies said. "I'm satisfied this was a deliberate act ... carried out with the intention of ending her life. This is a truly, truly tragic case."
The Outward Success of a 'Perfectionist'
Outwardly, Laura was a high-achieving and popular youngster. She was a player for Crosfields ARLFC, a Scout leader, and had been head girl at her primary school before joining St Gregory's RC High School in Warrington.
Her father, John, described her as 'incredibly talented' and a perfectionist who set exceptionally high standards for herself. "Rugby was one of her joys, she played both codes," he said. "Anybody who saw her knows she had a future in the game at the highest level."
Despite this, a cycle of self-harm had been discovered by her parents in March 2024. The school had also raised concerns about a TikTok video showing her walking along train tracks and about finding her in possession of a blade.
School counsellor Tara O'Kane said Laura had built "a very thick wall" around herself. "Confident, high-achiever, funny, big groups of friends. She shared she didn't always feel that way on the inside," Ms O'Kane told the hearing.
In a statement after the inquest, St Gregory's High School and Warrington Council said: "The school community has been completely devastated since learning about the loss of Laura... Our thoughts and prayers remain with Laura's family and friends."
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org.
