Anorexia blamed for death

May 30 2008 by Ronnie Parry, Chester Chronicle

A “RESILIENT” woman who endured a lifetime of pain and 30 years as an anorexic died of natural causes a coroner ruled.

Fifty-year-old Sandra Gillian Williams, of Strawberry Field, Boughton, Chester passed away in Wrexham Maelor Hospital on December 4 last year.

Mrs Williams, a former Chester Zoo receptionist, had a long and complex history of health problems a Wrexham inquest heard on Friday May 23.

When a baby, she was found to have spina bifida, kidney abnormalities and a heart murmur. She developed anorexia nervosa in 1978.

Throughout her life Mrs Williams experienced considerable pain, was on frequent medication and underwent multiple operations. From 2005 Mrs Williams attended the Countess of Chester Hospital pain clinic.

Her health deteriorated further in May last year as she lost weight.

She suffered an inability to swallow solid food leading to a lack of protein.

North East Wales coroner John Hughes heard that when she was admitted to Wrexham Maelor Hospital the strain on her body was too much and she died on December 4.

A post-mortem by pathologist Pauline Dowling failed to establish the cause of death so further tests were carried out which pointed to gross anaemia and heart failure consistent with a history of anorexia.

Despite the pain and trauma Mrs Williams was described as a determined woman who got on with her life.

She worked as a receptionist at Chester Zoo from 1982 to 1984 and married Brian Williams in 1984.

Mr Williams was at the inquest and said: “Despite considerable pain my wife remained happy and cheerful and was a pleasure to look after.

“In the last 12 months she had even managed to travel abroad on a two month holiday. Her resilience was still there. She was quite amazing.”

Mr Williams also paid tribute to his late wife’s doctor, Chris Newcombe.

Coroner John Hughes recorded a verdict of death by natural causes as a result of anorexia nervosa.

He also paid tribute to Mr Williams’ devoted care for his late wife.