Shirley Nunn’s death expose failures in care for families
He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and struggled with learning difficulties, mobility issues, and emotional control.
As a result, Shirley took on the role of his full-time caregiver. With the passing of her husband from cancer, she had been Steven’s primary support system, with assistance from adult social care that had been involved in his care since 2005.
Stage three lung cancer
As previously mentioned, Shirley was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer in 2021, and shortly after, she received a terminal diagnosis when the disease spread to her brain, spine, and pelvis.
Despite this devastating diagnosis, Shirley continued to care for her beloved son. The hospital and Shirley herself made arrangements for her to pass away at home, but she still wanted to do everything she could to help Steven. However, it wasn’t easy for her, and aa Domestic Homicide Review revealed that Ms. Nunn had been struggling with depression with thoughts of taking her own life.
The report highlighted how the ”loving and caring” Ms. Nunn was more worried about how her son would cope without her than about her own deteriorating health.
”She broke down in tears twice, reflecting on how her condition was worsening,” it revealed.
In October 2021, Ms. Nunn was hospitalized again for issues related to her cancer.
The staff were informed that palliative care was being arranged for her at home and that she ”preferred to die at home.”
Tragically, two days after being discharged, police were called to her home by her sister, where both Shirley and Steven were found dead — exactly two years to the day after her husband Paul also passed away from cancer. Continue reading…
