Brecon fundraiser Julie Coade crushed by ride-on mower
A pensioner who hoped to open up her garden for a church fundraiser was killed after she was crushed by her ride-on lawnmower, an inquest has heard.
Julie Coade, 71, was tidying up her garden before inviting members of the public to see it in Trallong, Brecon.
But it overturned and trapped her as she attempted to mow a steep bank, the hearing in Brecon was told.
Powys coroner Andrew Barkley recorded an accidental death verdict.
Neighbour Paul Crowhurst, who tried to help Mrs Coade, told the inquest: "I was horrified to see her underneath the lawnmower. I just grabbed hold of the mower, heaved it off her and screamed for help."
Mr Crowhurst tried to revive his neighbour before paramedics arrived but they could do nothing to save Mrs Coade, who was a grandmother.
He said the pensioner regularly used her lawnmower "whizzing along in her garden".
"She looked very happy and very confident with it. I'd seen her mow the lawn on several occasions," he added.
The inquest heard that Mrs Coade had suffered a compression of the chest and died from traumatic asphyxia.
The open garden event, due to raise money for a village church, was cancelled as a mark of respect to Mrs Coade.
Friend Peter Thole said: "She was a tireless fundraiser with a heart of gold."