A retired civil servant killed herself because her life was made a misery by chronic back pain, an inquest heard.

Jean Gault walked the short distance from her home in Hartfield Road to Wimbledon station on the morning of Wednesday, July 6, 2011, where she climbed down on to the tracks and was hit by a speeding train.

After what the coroner described as a “glittering career” in which she received an MBE for services to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Miss Gault had recently retired after serving as a secretary to various ambassadors.

But the 65-year-old, who never married and had no children, was in great physical pain after being diagnosed with chronic back and hip pain 18 months previously, leaving her unable to pursue her favourite activities; photography and holidays.

Found at the scene in a handbag was a handwritten suicide note addressed to her family, which simply read: “I can’t stand the pain any longer.”

Appearing at Westminster Coroner’s Court yesterday, the South West Trains driver said the train was approaching Wimbledon from Waterloo at about 40mph, reduced from its top speed of 75mph.

Joseph Alston, a driver with 31 years’ experience, said: “As we were going through the station I remember seeing a woman walking towards the platform edge.

He added: “I put on the horn but it was too late. There was no chance at all we could have stopped.”

Miss Gault’s GPs from the Prince’s Road Surgery revealed to the coroner how Miss Gault had tried to commit suicide before on June 29, by taking a drug overdose and then trying to suffocate herself by putting a plastic bag over her head.

Dr Shamila Rajanathan told the court she was “extremely alarmed” by Miss Gault’s actions and referred her to the St George’s Hospital for psychiatric treatment the next day.

She was later discharged and treated by Merton’s Home Treatment Team (MHTT) on July 2, which concluded she was no longer at risk of suicide.

She killed herself four days later after telling her GP she was still being cared for by MHTT.

Recording a verdict of suicide, coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox passed on her sympathies to Miss Gault’s brother, George Gault, who was unable to travel from Edinburgh to attend the inquest.

Childhood friend pays tribute to "light-hearted and witty" Jean

Dear Jean,

My oldest and dearest friend I salute you.

Those were your words to me on the occasion of my 60th birthday as you proposed the toast.

Now it is my turn to salute you Jean.

We first met on our first day at school, holding hands in the sandpit to comfort each other and remained friends forever after.

My path a teaching career but yours a dedicated career in the Foreign Office, which enabled you to travel the world and led you to being awarded the MBE.

I well remember in Abergavenny we looked for earrings to match the expensive outfit you would be wearing to the palace. You found just the pair in a tiny little shop.

"Will £1 be all right?" said the little lady; "Going anywhere nice?"

"Buckingham Palace" was the matter of fact reply.

You made friends wherever you were and always remained loyal. Very conscientious at work but at the same time light-hearted and witty and a great raconteur. Your tales of some of the famous people you met having us all in stitches.

You made such a lasting impression on everyone. I know how popular you were at work and the friendships you made.

You always found time for all your friends, some of whom were travelling companions to places far and near.

You loved holidays, taking photos, visiting National Trust properties, watching soaps, bird watching and eating out with vouchers.

You will be so pleased that five friends who miss you so much recently met in London to celebrate your life and toast you in your favourite tipple, champagne. Now we have founded the Gault Gang and will meet regularly to share our memories of you.

My personal favourite was of you `reading the tea towels` sometimes with an Italian, Irish or French accent but of course the very best was your Geordie one, as Gateshead was where we came from and the place which you loved so much - the place where you grew up with your lovely parents and brother.

To the most kind, generous and warm-hearted person who could mix with everyone, whatever their background and was such great company, I salute you.

To my life long friend,

Love always,

Barbie

Did you know Miss Gault and would like to add your own tribute? Leave a comment below or contact Omar by calling 020 8722 6335; tweeting @OmarOakes or emailing: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.