A mother in Teesside, facing terminal cancer, tragically killed her disabled son and herself. A review highlights missed support.
Shirley Nunn overdosed on her medication and gave her son, Stephen, a lethal dose. A relative found them at their Middlesbrough home.
The review found they could have supported Mrs. Nunn better, as she had terminal cancer, and the review suggests she felt hopeless about her son’s future.
Mrs. Nunn, 67, cared for Stephen, who had mental and physical issues due to a brain injury from an accident at 11. People saw her as a “loving” mom, and the family was close.
She got cancer in July 2021, and doctors said it was terminal a month later. Her health quickly worsened, and by October, cancer spread to her brain. She received palliative care at home.
Agencies knew she worried about her son, but she never signaled plans to end their lives, according to the Teesside Live report. Two days post-hospital, her sister called the police. Mrs. Nunn’s husband died of cancer in 2019, happening near the anniversary of his death.
An independent review followed this tragedy, and the Middlesbrough Council website has the findings. The report uses fake names to protect privacy.
The report said she “prioritized his needs” as she loved and cared for her son.
Mrs. Nunn showed emotional distress in the hospital, where she stayed in September 2021. Follow-ups occurred in October, and she cried about her failing health.
The report noted chances missed for support. The panel feels the hospital didn’t help her and didn’t consider her mental state for Adult Social Care.
These details led to a public inquest afterward.
Police investigated and gave the details to the coroner. The inquest, in January 2022, found Mr. Nunn died from an overdose.
His mother’s death also involved an overdose, alongside terminal lung cancer. Mencap knew and supported Mr. Nunn, sharing fond memories.
They said people knew John locally, and “John loved Elvis and action movies”. He was a fitness fan who enjoyed the gym.
“John improved his upper body strength” and “he used it to stay independent”. “John loved parmo and garlic sauce”.
Mencap said he had a great sense of humor as “John’s lack of filter was part of his personality”. He often spoke his mind, even comically, saying “He loved his parents and family”. The panel’s conclusion on Mr. Nunn was not in the text.
Derrick Laing led the review and said agencies gave “caring” support. He noted her cancer needed attention, and professionals did not grasp the urgency.
The report said to empower Mrs. Nunn, focusing on helping her discuss her feelings and prioritizing her mental health.
“June cared for her son for 40+ years.” Agencies missed a chance to plan for John and to include her family.
“There was nothing to show suicide intent”. This case was hard, and “The panel knows this impacted family and professionals”. The review ended with recommendations for better support.
Reviews should happen “in a timely manner”. Mental health matters as much as physical health. The Partnership representative said they examine agency responses and want to learn from this, noting changes are already happening due to this final report.