Widow Instructs Medical Negligence Lawyers To Help Support Them Through Inquest Process

The devastated family of a Plymouth dad-of-two who died one month after being diagnosed with cancer have spoken of how they hope an upcoming inquest will provide them with answers regarding his death.

David Hulme underwent surgery to remove his right lung in June 2020 at Derriford Hospital.  Around six years prior, he had been diagnosed with sarcoidosis, which is a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue to develop.

However, in January 2021, David was referred to another hospital after his condition deteriorated. He was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system.

He died that March, aged 49.

Following David’s death, his widow Sarah, 51, instructed medical negligence experts at Irwin Mitchell to help establish answers and support the family through the inquest process.

Expert Opinion

“David’s loved ones were devastated when he died so soon after his cancer diagnosis. In particular, Sarah has understandably struggled to come to terms with her husband no longer being here.

The past year has been incredibly difficult for the family as they still have a number of questions and concerns over the care provided to David prior to his death.

While nothing can make up for their loss, we’re determined to support them and help establish the answers they deserve.

If, during the course of the hearing, any issues are identified it’s vital that lessons are learned.”
James Pink - Associate Solicitor

Prior to his death, David and Sarah had been married for 19 years.  They were parents to two sons, Kieran and Joe, aged 21 and 15 respectively.  Sarah also has three grown up daughters from a previous relationship.

David, who had previously been in the Royal Navy for 14 years, worked as a director for a network cabling company.  Sarah is now a part-owner of the company, and Kieran and Sarah’s son-in-law also works there.  David set up the business so that his sons would have a job to go to if they wished.

Sarah said: “David had always been very fit and active, but he started doing less and less from around July 2020.  I knew something wasn’t right but I didn’t for one minute think that we would lose him less than a year later.

“He was such a fantastic husband and dad to our boys, and to this day I still feel myself going to speak to him and then realising he’s not here anymore.  We all miss him every single day.

“Since he died, I feel like time has stood still for me.  He was my soul mate and I really can’t imagine the rest of my life without him.

“I know nothing will ever bring him back, and I know reliving it all at the inquest will be tough but I hope that it will at least provide us with the answers we need.”

An inquest into David’s death is due to take place at Plymouth Coroner’s Court on Monday, 27 June.

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