A school cook who cried out for help after falling in her greenhouse was looked after by a good Samaritan before her death, a court has heard. 

Peggy Gardner, of Mundesley Road in Overstrand, near Cromer, fell over while planting lettuce seeds on the afternoon of May 7. 

An inquest into her death, held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court this month, heard how a nurse had been walking by and heard the 90-year-old calling for help. 

She stayed with her and made her comfortable while arranging for an ambulance to take her to hospital. 

Mrs Gardner was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich (N&N) where she continued to decline. She died on May 12. 

Area coroner, Yvonne Blake, said: “It appears Mrs Gardner had gone out to her greenhouse without her walking stick, lost her balance, and fell onto her side and fractured some of her [bones]. 

“While in hospital, she was treated appropriately and promptly but did decline quite rapidly. 

“I’m concluding that she died from an accidental death.” 

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Coroner's CourtNorfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

In a family statement provided to the court, it was heard that Mrs Gardner had been born in Merton in Surrey, now part of Greater London as Merton Priory, on February 7, 1934. 

She was a retired school cook who enjoyed spending time in her greenhouse where she liked to plant seeds and hoe. She also enjoyed painting, drawing, and knitting. 

Although she was “very active in her mind”, she used a stick for mobility following her recovery from sepsis of the lung seven years ago. 

Her family added: “She had a good attitude to life and loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.” 

She had lived alone at her home since her husband’s death three years ago. 

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