Elaine Morrall passed away while wearing a coat and a scarf indoors after her benrfits were cut

An anorexic mother-of-four died wearing a scarf and coat inside her freezing home after her benefits were cut when she was too ill to attend a meeting, according to her grieving family.

Elaine Morrall passed away in her house in Runcorn, Cheshire, and her mother claims her financial woes meant she switched the heating off until her children got home from school.

A cause of death has not been revealed for the 38-year-old, who suffered from an eating disorder and mental health problems.

In recent days, a fundraising campaign has been launched to raise money for her devastated four children.

Elaine's mother, Linda, sent a raging and 'broken-hearted' letter to her local councillor in Halton.

In in an open letter on Facebook, she wrote: 'How many people have got to die before this government realises they are killing vulnerable people?'

Her plea has gone viral on social media.

Linda said: 'My daughter lived in Boston Ave. She died on the afternoon of 2 November, 2017 at home on her own. She was 38yrs.

'In the cold with her coat & scarf on. Because she wouldn't put her heating on until her kids came home from school. Why?? Because she couldn't afford it.

'Because she was severely depressed. Suffered from eating disorder & many other problems for many years.

The 38-year-old, who suffered from an eating disorder and mental health problems, was discovered dead at her home (pictured) in Runcorn, Cheshire, earlier this month

'Mainly due to authoritarians of one form or another. I can give you details. Was in & out of hospital in recent months in intensive care.

'But was deemed not ill enough for ESA [Employment and Support Allowance]. Had her benefits stopped numerous times, which in turn stopped her housing benefit.

'No income but expected to be able to pay full rent. Was told being in intensive care was not sufficient reason for failing to attend a universal credit interview.

'I went to the job centre to inform them that she couldn't attend. But benefits stopped again.

Elaine's mother sent a raging and 'broken-hearted' letter to her local councillor in Halton following the death of her daughter (pictured left, and right, with three of her children)

'Uncaring housing taking her to court. She's due to go to court on Monday.

'Is being dead now enough reason? Is that what's had to happen to prove she was ill?

'How many people have got to die before this government realises they are killing vulnerable people??

'What are you and your fellow councillors going to do to protect your constituents?'

Halton MP Derek Twigg, who is now working with the family, said: 'It is a very tragic case and I am providing assistance to my constituent.'

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with Ms Morrall's family at this difficult time.

The cause of the mother-of-four's death has not been revealed

'We understand that people can't always attend appointments, which is why we will re-arrange alternative times.

'Assessment decisions are made with consideration of all the information provided, including supporting evidence from a GP or medical specialist.

In relation to her scheduled court hearing, Jonathan Horsfall, Halton Housing Trust debt recovery manager, said: 'We always follow strict procedures around arrears.

'We strive to find solutions with our customers and have intensive support workers who enable us to do so where possible.

'Our support services are on offer to those who we know are in arrears, and are always reached out to for support.

'If customers are concerned about arrears we always encourage anyone to get in touch with us as early as possible in the arrears process so we can do all we can to help.'

Single mother Rebecca Wolfe set up a fundraising page after being moved by the tragedy, and helped to raise £800 for the family.

The cause has now closed after reaching its target.

The 40-year-old mother-of-two, who cares for her autistic son and was diagnosed with kidney cancer when she was younger, said: 'It upset me so much thinking about this woman's children.

'It struck a chord with me. When I was a lot younger I was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

'My children were only young and every waking moment I was worried about who was going to look after them. That was my worse nightmare.

'You can give your sympathies, prayers and thoughts but that doesn't help the family.

'I just want this woman to know that we are trying to help in a small way. I didn't expect anyone to donate but it's gone massive.'