A 77 year old woman who dedicated herself to caring for her ill husband refused to go to the doctor herself, an inquest has heard.

The inquest at Herefordshire Coroner's Court heard how Carole Ann Kneale did not seek medical attention for breast cancer as she was caring full-time for her late husband who had Motor Neurone Disease.

Mrs Kneale was eventually treated for breast cancer which led to a diagnosis of lung cancer, which was removed with surgery.

The 77 year old, who was described as 'fit and well' before her diagnosis, was then discharged to recover at home but her condition soon deteriorated. She died on February 7. 

Her daughter-in-law Karen Bradley explained how Mrs Kneale did not think she she poorly enough to go to hospital and did not want to 'trouble' anybody.

She paid tribute to Mrs Kneale and described her as 'the most amazing, strong woman'.

When admitted to Hereford County Hospital it was eventually revealed that Mrs Kneale was suffering from a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia.

Coroner Mark Bricknell stated that the medical cause of death was cardiac and respiratory failure with severe pneumonia and pulmonary embolism.

Summing up he said: "I don't think other than very much earlier intervention the outcome would have been different."

He also praised Mrs Kneale's daughter-in-law Karen Bradley's evidence which he described as 'comprehensive' and 'constructive rather than flag waving'.

Mr Bricknell attributed the death to natural causes.