Inquests have been opened into the deaths of a mum and her one-year-old baby at their Whitehaven flat.
Natalie Victoria Katy Kane, 27, and her son Harry, were found in their Wellington Row home on December 30.
Margaret Taylor, an assistant Cumbria coroner, opened inquests in the deaths of Harry and his mother this morning.
Natalie had grown up in Maryport and was a valued member of Women Out West, a group set up to address the needs of vulnerable women.
At Cockermouth this morning, the inquest was told that Natalie’s premises were entered by police following concern that had been lodged by Women Out West who had been struggling to reach her.
Ms Taylor said Natalie was in the living room and Harry was in the bedroom.
She added: “It appears that Natalie had died and as Harry had been unable to fend for himself, he has died subsequently in the property.”
Under those circumstances, added Ms Taylor, it would be necessary to hold inquests into the deaths of both Natalie and Harry. These have been adjourned to October 27.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Almost £7,000 was raised to give the ‘best send-off possible’ for Natalie and Harry.
The pair’s lives were celebrated with balloons and memorial events.
In a statement released after their deaths, Rachel Holliday and all at Women Out West said they were heartbroken by the news.
Rachel added: “Natalie touched the hearts of so many people. I will always remember her beaming smile and her wicked sense of humour. Most of all we remember the love she had for Harry and how proud she was of him.”
