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THE FATHER of a tragic young woman who told mental health services of her plan to take her own life said those responsible for her care had ‘accountability to answer for’.
Willow du Plooy, 21, died at a Cherwell Valley services hotel in November 2021 after taking an overdose of pain medication she ordered online.
Her inquest last week heard that Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which had been supporting her for a number of years, was aware of suspicions that she had ordered the drugs online – with staff approaching Royal Mail and Thames Valley Police to see whether the parcel could be intercepted.
READ MORE: Inquest rules woman’s death at Cherwell Valley services is a suicide
The Banbury woman’s father, Leon, told the Oxford Mail that the inquest – where her death was ruled a suicide by the coroner – had left him ‘numb’.
He said: “It is inconceivable that Willow, who was kind-hearted and selfless all her life, could be reduced to a mere statistic when parties present at the inquest clearly had accountability to answer for.
“She left us in a way that no parent should ever have to experience. She was a bright light in our lives, and her passing has left a deep void in our hearts.”
Willow du Plooy Picture: Submitted
He described Willow as a kind and caring person who was ‘always looking out for the wellbeing of others’.
“She was always concerned with the feelings and opinions of those around her, and she was always willing to go without to help others in need,” he added.
“She was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and she was an inspiration to many.
“She was a fighter who bravely battled her own mental illness for many years, but in the end it was too much for her to bear. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and she will be deeply missed.”
Miss du Plooy, who had been diagnosed with a personality disorder, took her own life around four weeks after being discharged from the Warneford Hospital. She had spent more than three months receiving treatment at two acute hospital units.
There were concerns that her spell at an acute ward in Potters Bar, where there were reports of her self-harming, had not improved her condition.
It was in part that fact that informed Oxford Health doctor’s failure to detain her under the Mental Health Act and return her to hospital when she mooted a ‘concrete plan’ to end her life, her inquest heard.
READ MORE: What happened at Willow’s inquest last week
Senior coroner Darren Salter accepted their explanations about the failure to detain her under section three of the act. But he said he would consider writing to Royal Mail and Thames Valley Police about the way Miss du Plooy was able to order medication online.
Willow du Plooy, aged seven, with father Leon Picture: Submitted (Image: Leon du Plooy)
A spokeswoman for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “The death of Willow was a devastating event for her family and had a deep impact on the many staff at Oxford Health who cared for Willow.
“Willow is remembered with great fondness by healthcare staff who had the privilege to know her and be involved in her life. The inquest process explored events leading to Willow’s tragic death.
“Trust staff contributed professionally and compassionately to that process including attending the inquest to give evidence to the coroner.
“We recognise how difficult the inquest was for Willow’s family and extend our deepest condolences to them once again.”
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For support with mental health, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. In a mental health crisis you should contact the emergency services by calling 999 or call 111 for the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline.
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