TV Presenter Phillip Norton Mourns Sister’s Tragic Mental Health Struggle, Calls for NHS Accountability
Yorkshire television presenter Phillip Norton has announced the heartbreaking news of his sister’s passing in a touching social media post. Phillip, known for his work on BBC Look North, shared that his little sister Amy Norton had tragically succumbed to her mental health struggles. Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends, he called for greater accountability within the National Health Service (NHS).
Phillip has been actively campaigning alongside his family since 2016 after his father’s death revealed failings within a hospital trust. In his tribute on Twitter, now known as X, he mentioned being reunited with dad.
In his post, Phillip wrote movingly about his sister Amy, describing her as a well-traveled and adventurous individual with friends all over the world. However, like many others, Amy battled with her mental health. The family is currently taking time to process their loss and plan a celebration of Amy’s life next month. They expressed heartfelt appreciation for the messages of love and support they have received.
This tragedy follows the loss of their father, Graham Norton, in 2016. Graham had lived with ulcerative colitis for over two decades but had a happy life with his family, including annual ski trips abroad. Unfortunately, the medication he took made him vulnerable to cancer, which eventually took hold. The family was aware of the risks, but the mismanagement of his treatment at Grimsby’s Diana Princess of Wales Hospital allowed bowel cancer to develop and spread to his liver and lungs before a scan was even performed.
Phillip has used his platform as a journalist to raise awareness about the failings of the NHS, citing his father’s case as a prime example. In an interview, he expressed his fortune in being able to lead conversations on this matter and highlighted the heartache and frustration experienced by other families due to errors and delays in cancer diagnosis. He deemed these mistakes and delays as unforgivable and unacceptable.
The Norton family’s tragic losses and their campaign for NHS accountability serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of providing timely and effective healthcare. Their advocacy calls for improvements to prevent others from enduring similar heartbreak and frustration. As the mourning process continues, Phillip and his family hope to make a positive impact by raising awareness and facilitating necessary changes in the healthcare system.
The devastating news of Amy’s passing and the Norton family’s continued efforts to bring about change serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform within the NHS.
