A transgender woman killed herself after being taunted in the street for being different, an inquest heard. Mikki Nicholson, who was a national Scrabble champion, stepped in front of a train, on November 7 last year after suffering daily verbal abuse in Carlisle, Cumbria. The 36-year-old had planned a move to Newcastle, where she had hoped people would be more accepting. But she changed her mind months before her death after being told she risked homelessness if she left her social housing. Mikki Nicholson, who was a national Scrabble champion, stepped in front of a train, on November 7 last year after suffering daily verbal abuse in Carlisle, Cumbria. Above, Ms Nicholson preparing for a game in 2009 . The inquest heard how she was receiving psychiatric treatment in the months before her death, and had spent time as an inpatient at the Carleton Clinic. Above, flowers left in tribute at the crossing where she died . Ms Nicholson, who was once ranked as the fourth-best Scrabble player in the world, was born male but identified as a woman. The inquest heard how she was receiving psychiatric treatment in the months before her death, and had spent time as an inpatient at Carlisle's Carleton Clinic. After she was discharged, she was supported by psychiatric nurse Clive Guyo. Mr Guyo said that she clung to the hope that her life would be improved by leaving Carlisle, according to the News and Star. He said: 'Mikki described Carlisle as being hostile to people who are different. She spoke of facing verbal abuse while walking in the streets because of how she appeared to other people. 'Schoolchildren were often the worst for making fun of her and verbally abusing her. Ms Nicholson, pictured before the championships in 2009, had planned a move to Newcastle, where she had hoped people would be more accepting. But she changed her mind after being told she risked homelessness . 'She had a negative view of Carlisle based on past experience. There's no doubt she felt stigmatised.' The inquest heard that Ms Nicholson wanted to move to Newcastle, but was told she would be considered 'intentionally homeless' if she left her Carlisle flat, which was temporary housing. The classification would make it hard to find social housing elsewhere. She had no money for a deposit or to rent privately. Ms Nicholson, who was crowned both UK and European Scrabble champion, became increasingly unhappy in the months before her death, the inquest heard. She was killed instantly when she stepped in front of a train. Coroner David Roberts said Ms Nicholson had been well supported by the psychiatric services, recording a conclusion that she had deliberately killed herself. Jonathan Hammond, a local resident, was on a footpath next to the line at the time of the incident and witnessed the death, according to the News and Star. Ms Nicholson was described as 'fiercely intelligent'. Above, tributes at the crossing where she died . Rebecca Mellor, a close friend, said: 'Mikki was fiercely intelligent. She had a vivacious character and explored her gender identity. 'She frequently felt at odds with the world because of her high level of intelligence and gender identity.' Cumbria Partnership Trust, who provided Mikki psychiatric care, will now discuss the issue of specialist support for transgender people in Cumbria as a result of this tragedy.
Mikki Nicholson, 36, suffered daily verbal abuse on the streets of Carlisle . She planned move to Newcastle, where she hoped she would be accepted . But was told she would risk homelessness if she left her social housing . The former Scrabble champion stepped in front of a train last November . For confidential support on suicide matters in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here .