Mother, 32, died after drinking in Ascot heat

A mother-of-two died three days after falling ill at Royal Ascot’s Ladies’ Day after drinking too much alcohol in the sun, an inquest has heard.

Nicole Mitchell, 32, collapsed after drinking with family and friends on June 21 last year, the hottest June day for 40 years, at the annual racing event, which is attended by the Queen.

Mrs Mitchell died at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, three days after being sent home from the Queen Anne medical centre at the grandstand, having been seen and discharged by a British Red Cross first aider with just “eight days’ training”. The inquest in Woking resumes today.