She told paramedics she had been lying at the bottom of the 13 steps for two days before being found.

Elizabeth Brown, known as Liz, was an active member of North Walsham’s Good Neighbour Scheme. 

The 74-year-old of Mundesley Road spent many hours taking individuals to and from medical appointments and delivering prescriptions. 

She was also a long-serving trustee and volunteer for the north Norfolk-based charity Playing for Cake, a not-for-profit providing interactive music sessions promoting better health and wellbeing. 

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest) An inquest into her death, held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, heard how Mrs Brown had been diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2012. 

She was subsequently treated but the disease returned and continued to spread. At a final “surveillance scan” in 2018, it was shown to have spread to her lungs. 

At the time, her husband Michael was undergoing palliative chemotherapy for cancer and she decided against further treatment while caring for him. He died in 2019. 

Mrs Brown went on to have further treatment, but in January 2024 another scan revealed a further spread of the cancer. 

Elizabeth Brown with her husband Michael Brown (Image: Newsquest / Submitted) A statement from Anne Hurt, her friend of 13 years, was read out to the Norwich court. 

She said: “Liz had suffered several bouts of cancer, keeping very positive throughout despite suffering horribly with the side effects of chemotherapy.   

“However, when cancer stuck yet again, she made a decisive decision not to accept treatment but to opt for palliative care. 

“She felt very well supported by her medical team.” 

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Mrs Brown’s GP at Paston Surgery said: “In light of the fact her husband had died, her enthusiasm for further treatment that would make her feel ill but not cure her had waned.”   

The GP described her as “stoic in making plans” and referred her for palliative care. 

On April 22, Mrs Brown’s gardener contacted Mrs Hurt after he was unable to reach Mrs Brown.  

Mrs Hurt was a key holder and was able to get inside the house but found it “deserted”, with a duvet left on the hall floor. 

She said: “It took nearly 24 hours to ascertain that Liz had been taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (N&N).   

“When I phoned to check how she was on the Wednesday, it was to be told she had died in the early hours of the morning.  

“It was all such a shock. 

“The doctor said she had at least six months of active life to enjoy.”  

Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (Image: Newsquest) Mrs Brown had been admitted to the N&N after she was found at the bottom of her stairs during a welfare check. She told paramedics she had fallen down the stairs two days ago. 

She later died at the N&N during the early hours of April 24. 

The primary medical cause of death was given as biliary sepsis. It was noted she also had metastatic endometrial cancer. 

Yvonne Blake, area coroner, confirmed her death was a result of “natural causes”. 

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Paying tribute to her friend, Mrs Hurt added: “Liz was an active member of the community.” 

A spokesperson for Playing for Cake added: "We are missing her greatly.” 

A memorial service to celebrate Mrs Brown’s life took place on May 20 St Nicholas Church in North Walsham. 

Attendees were requested to wear “something blue or sparkly” and participants from Playing for Cake sang her favourite song, ‘Shalom’. 

• To pay tribute to a loved one email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk