A BRIGHT and bubbly paramedic from Harpenden died suddenly after taking a small amount of medication to boost her energy levels, an inquest heard last week.

Lorna Lambden of Globe Close had purchased the tablets over the internet to help her deal with bouts of insomnia and subsequent dips in her energy levels.

The 27 year old was found in her Harpenden home on December 17, two days after she last spoke with her family and her police officer boyfriend, William McDonald.

Mr McDonald found her where she had collapsed with her favourite film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, playing on the TV.

Herts coroner Edward Thomas said it was his belief that Lorna had died on December 15 after taking Amitriptyline, a medicine which is normally prescribed but can be purchased from overseas via the internet.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had taken just a couple more than the prescribed dosage, unaware that the drug could stop the heart.

Mr Thomas, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, said the normally fit and healthy young woman had probably suffered a cardiac arrhythmia and had felt no pain prior to her collapse.

The coroner ruled out any suggestion that Lorna, who worked for London Ambulance Service, had committed suicide and read out Facebook messages and text messages which all highlighted her enthusiasm for the coming days and weeks.

Lorna, who was a keen athlete, was studying for a masters degree alongside her job as a paramedic, which she loved. Her father Roy said she had found her “true vocation” in the job and had, like everything else in her life, given it her all.

Friends and family of Lorna will embark on a 100km challenge next month to raise money for charity.

Her sister Heather said it was a challenge befitting her sister who completed many sky dives, the London Marathon and reached Everest Base Camp during her lifetime.

She said: “Lorna loved a challenge and this is one huge challenge, we hope to do her proud.”

They are hoping to complete the 100km hike around the Isle of Wight in 24 hours. All money raised will go towards London’s Air Ambulance, where Lorna had hoped to work, and the RNLI.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/roundiow