How British pole-dancing champion ended her life in Lockdown
A British pole-dancing champion hanged herself after struggling during lockdown, an inquest heard.
Tragic Jessica Leanne Norris, 27, was found unresponsive at a pal’s house in Bolton.
An inquest heard how the two-time winner of Miss Pole Dance UK had pinned a note on her bedroom door, saying: “Don’t come in. Ring 999. I’m so sorry.”
A note was also found for Jessica’s nan telling her she loved her following the tragedy.
The hearing was told Jessica had struggled with mental health issues since she was a teenager.
Her mum Alanna Norris said: “Jess led a life of structure, and struggled when lockdown meant that she could not teach or take part in pole-dancing competitions.”
Jessica had been staying at friend Brian Crompton’s house when the first lockdown was imposed in March last year.
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She had been working as a fitness instructor and was being prescribed anti-depressants.
On the morning of her tragic death, Mr Crompton had got up and left for work.
He sent a text to Jessica later in the day asking how she was but received no response.
When he returned home, he discovered Jessica in her bedroom.
The hearing was told a toxicologist found no evidence of drugs or alcohol in her system.
Prof Alan Walsh, area coroner for Manchester West, recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Jessica was a keen pole dancer and set up her first studio when she was just 15.
She went on to claim the title of Miss Pole Dance UK in 2011 and 2015.
In 2019, she launched a fundraising drive in aid of mental health charities.
Kay Penney, the founder of Miss Pole Dance UK, described Miss Norris as a “national treasure”.