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In a heartbreaking turn of events, a mother vows to advocate for other families after a coroner concludes that her disabled daughter tragically took her own life due to the cessation of her benefits. Jodey Whiting, a 42-year-old woman from Stockton, was confined to her home and passed away in February 2017 just days after her disability benefits were terminated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Her mother, Joy Dove, tirelessly fought for a second inquest for eight years following the initial ruling of suicide, which failed to acknowledge the impact of the DWP’s decision on her daughter’s death. Despite the bittersweet victory of having the truth acknowledged, Ms. Dove expressed that while it won’t bring Jodey back, she remains committed to supporting other families experiencing similar hardships.
Reflecting on the coroner’s ruling, Ms. Dove expressed a mix of shock, delight, and gratitude. Although recognizing that it won’t undo the loss of her daughter, she highlighted the importance of the coroner acknowledging the role of benefit cessation in Jodey’s passing. Despite the emotional toll of the campaign, Ms. Dove remains resolute in her dedication to advocating for others facing comparable challenges. She emphasized that while the fight for Jodey may have reached its conclusion, she will continue to offer assistance to families in need. The exhausting nature of the campaign has taken a toll on her health, leading to hospitalization due to high blood pressure and migraines, underscoring the immense personal cost of her advocacy efforts.
Following the recent inquest, the senior coroner for Teesside, Clare Bailey, attributed Jodey’s suicide to a “deteriorating mental state” precipitated by the DWP’s decision to terminate her benefits. Tragically, just two weeks prior to her death, Jodey had been declared fit to work, despite missing an assessment due to hospitalization for pneumonia. The DWP expressed deep regret over the circumstances, acknowledging that Jodey had lost hope in the face of financial struggles. Notes left by Jodey for her family revealed the dire situation she was in, unable to meet her financial obligations or afford food. The heart-wrenching details of her final days shed light on the devastating impact of benefit stoppage on vulnerable individuals like Jodey.
In the aftermath of the initial inquest in 2017, which concluded with a verdict of suicide without considering the DWP’s involvement, Joy Dove embarked on a protracted legal battle to secure a second hearing, ultimately appealing to the Court of Appeal. Her tireless efforts finally led to the recognition that the DWP’s actions were pivotal in Jodey’s untimely death. The consultant psychiatrist involved in the case reviewed Jodey’s history and reports, concurring that the DWP’s decision was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. The long-awaited acknowledgment by the coroner offers a semblance of closure for Jodey’s family, albeit amidst profound grief and loss
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