A mum who tirelessly fought for her child's right to euthanasia for many years has been found to have tragically taken her own life.
Juliet Munro-Chick, 42, was found dead at the home she shared with her husband in Bideford on December 17, 2020. Her passing came only nine months after the couple had married, reports DevonLive.
The former teaching assistant had spent many years campaigning for her daughter Rose, who suffered from a rare genetic condition, to be allowed to die peacefully.
Her severe disability left her brain undeveloped and meant she was unable to see, move or speak.
In 2017, Juliet requested to have Rose's tube feeding and medication withdrawn after she suffered one of many painful bouts of ill health, and her daughter was placed under the care of the local authority the same year.
Rose passed away in May of this year, aged 14 years old.
An inquest at Exeter coroner's court this week heard the many legal battles involved in fighting for her had placed a "huge strain" on Juliet's mental wellbeing as well as her finances.
Her husband Mr Munro-Chick recalled how she had been inactive and not eating in the days before her death, but said she was looking forward to arranging their honeymoon after it was delayed due to Covid-19.
The evening before she died he told how he had left her watching television in the lounge after going up to bed around 9.30pm. and had no concerns for her safety.
But when he woke the next morning at 5.30am to get ready for work, he discovered she was not in bed and shortly afterwards found her passed away.
It followed a previous attempt at her taking own her own in August of that year which saw her spend two weeks at a mental institution.
Her GP, Nigel Moody, at Fremington Medical Centre, said that "ongoing problems with Rose, her physical health, court case and losing her job during the Covid pandemic must have been very traumatic for her."
An examination of her medical records also showed an extensive history of low mood and depression dating back to 1988.
Coroner Alison Longhorn recorded a conclusion of suicide, commenting that "it was clear from the evidence heard that Mrs Munro-Chick had wanted to do the right thing for Rose" and adding: "I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for her."
Mr Munro-Chick paid tribute to his wife following the inquest's verdict, saying: "Juliet was a people person and I miss her greatly. She was a great carer and communicator with such a strong personality. I loved her."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
