Young rugby star, 17, was found hanged at home – before mum hugged Kate Middleton & gave her gift in daughter’s memory
PRINCESS Kate is said to have vowed to wear earrings given to her by a grieving mum in memory of her late daughter.
Rugby star Isobelle Phipps, 17, was tragically found dead at her home in Crowthorne, Berks. in April this year.
An inquest has now heard that Isobelle, who was known as Issy, was found hanged.
It was also heard how in the weeks after her death the “rugby mad” 17-year-old’s mum Sarah Renton met the Princess of Wales.
Kate, 41, visited the Maidenhead Rugby Club, where Issy used to play, after Sarah launched a charity appeal.
The Princess and Sarah shared an emotional moment as they hugged on the field.
The mum then handed her a pair of earrings made by a family friend in memory of her daughter.
Kate told the group she’d wear the jewellery after hearing the story of Issy’s tragic death, they said.
Berkshire coroner Heidi Connor told an inquest this week that the teen had been found hanged.
A full inquest had been pushed out to a later date.
In the days after her death, Reading RFC paid tribute to Issy.
The club wrote: “Issy was rugby-mad and was always a lively member of the squad and will be truly missed.
“We will continue to provide support in any way we can to any club members affected by this news.”
England Touch also paid tribute.
It said on social media: “Issy was part of the Girls 18s England team and played at the 2022 Junior Touch Championships, winning gold in a dramatic match.
“Issy was a much-loved member of the Girls 18s squad and many in our community have spoken of not just her passion and love for rugby and touch but her desire to share that passion with her peers and those younger than her.”
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
- Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm