A two-time British pole dance champion, described as a “national treasure,” hanged herself suffering from depression during the coronavirus lockdown.
Jessica Leanne Norris, 27, was found unresponsive at a friend’s house in Bolton on June 15, 2020, The Sun reported of an inquest.
“Don’t come in. Call 999. I’m so sorry,” the tragic woman wrote in a note placed on her bedroom door, according to the outlet.
Norris, who won the title of Miss Pole Dance UK in 2011 and 2015, struggled with mental health issues since she was a teenager, the hearing was told.
“Jess lived a structural life and struggled when lockdown meant she couldn’t teach or participate in pole dancing competitions,” said her mother, Alanna Norris.
The young woman, who had been on antidepressants while working as a fitness instructor, stayed at her friend Brian Compton’s home during the country’s first lockdown.
On the morning of her death, Compton contacted her via text message, but received no response while she was at work, The Sun reported. When he returned, he discovered her body in the bedroom.
A toxicologist found no evidence of drugs or alcohol in her system, according to the report.
The avid pole dancer, who started her first studio when she was just 15, launched a fundraising campaign for mental health charities in 2019.
Kay Penney, founder of Miss Pole Dance UK, described Norris as a “national treasure”.
“Thank you for your contribution and as a true ambassador for the air arts, touching so many lives, hearts and souls and delighting many of us with your entertaining, unforgettable and enchanting routines,” said Penney, according to The Sun.
“Thank you for your indisputable dedication and sharing your talent through many classes, master classes, camps, events and competitions,” she added.
“You shone like a beacon of hope on so many stages and your legacy will live on forever in the history of pole and personally as my pole daughter, who has shown your gratitude throughout the years and during your reign as double female singles champion. . “