Heather Drew, 70, of Emneth, near Wisbech, was reported missing on November 17 last year.

Her body was discovered face down beneath a bridge in the River Delph at Welney the following day.

An inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard Mrs Drew had experienced significant mental health difficulties since 2005, with repeated referrals to psychiatric services as both an inpatient and outpatient.

Assistant coroner Robin Weyell (Image: Denise Bradley)

Assistant coroner Robin Weyell heard her diagnosis evolved from severe depression with psychotic features to bipolar disorder.

She had undergone numerous hospital admissions, periods of detention under the Mental Health Act and electroconvulsive therapy.

Mrs Drew had worked as a nurse in an endoscopy unit before retiring from the NHS aged 60.

The court heard her mental health deteriorated following the breakdown of her marriage to her husband, Rodney, and his decision to seek a divorce.

In a statement, he described how she became increasingly withdrawn and unable to care for herself.

“For the last six months she spent night and day on the sofa,” he said. “I asked several times for her to be admitted but they said she did not meet the criteria.”

After her death, Mr Drew found large quantities of unused medication hidden around the........

© Eastern Daily Press