THE parents of a woman who died after an overdose have thanked everyone who helped them raise thousands to ensure their legal challenge to overturn a coroner’s conclusion goes ahead.

Beth Shipsey, 21, died in February 2017 at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after taking tablets marketed as diet pills but which contained the highly toxic substance Dinitrophenol (DNP).

Following an inquest, coroner Geraint Williams said while there were “significant failings” in the hospital’s care, he concluded Miss Shipsey had intended suicide.

However, Doug and Carole Shipsey, of Warndon Villages, Worcester, believe the ruling was unlawful, claiming the coroner needed to be sure ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ for a suicide conclusion.

Their crowdfunding campaign hit its initial £8,000 target which they needed by Sunday (June 10), last Friday – meaning they are a step closer to taking the case to the High Court for a judicial review.

Mr Williams has now had the claim served on him by the High Court and his response is due by Thursday (June 21), after which it will be determined if there is a case to be heard.

However, the family still need around £12,000 for further legal fees, which they hope to once again raise through crowdfunding by July 8.

“The whole family are delighted to advise you that we reached £8,030 from 109 backers, which means thanks to you this campaign has been a success,” said Mr Shipsey.

“We wish to thank everyone who so generously donated and helped us.”

The 52-year-old dad previously said: “Those who knew Beth, knew she didn’t intend to take her life. It was a cry for help, she underestimated the power of what she was taking.”

See: crowdjustice.com/case/rightverdictforbethany.