Our experiences of the NHS have been anything but positive. Please fill in this form to explain your experiences of the NHS or mental health provision in England and Wales. We'll publish these comments on this page, and may quote them elsewhere on the site.

If you can help us promote our campaign, get in contact with those involved, advise us on how to take the next steps towards justice for Averil, or how to help others in the same situation, please contact us.

Linda, Blog Comment

Wow... This is just heartbreaking! I'm so sorry for your loss. My daughter is currently receiving treatment for Anorexia through CAMHS and isn't at a dangerously low weight but I still fear for her safety when she turns 18 and goes off to drama school and am desperate to get her properly well before she leaves home. I wish you all the luck in the world with your campaign. I fear you may need it!

Anonymous, by E-mail:

"I feel compelled to write. I have just come across your blog, I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter was beautiful and was so badly let down by those who were meant to be caring for her. What strikes me is the strength Averil must have had to make such steps to recovery during her inpatient admission, if only the services in Norfolk could have supported her to get the help she needed.

I guess the reason this has struck such a cord with me is that I too suffer from AN, I too went to UEA, was under the care of their medical centre and spiralled into serious relapse. I was lucky. I pulled out of uni, returned home and was able to access inpatient care on an edu at home which  ultimately saved my life. I was lucky, I could have been Averil. Your fight for answers is so admirable, it is what you deserve, nobody should have to suffer the pain that you have gone through.

With love and best wishes for the success in your campaign."

Anonymous, by E-mail:

Hi Nic... 

You gave me a postcard of your daughter Averil after I had spoken at a workshop on collaborative working between professionals and families.

I just wanted to let you know that I keep Averils picture in my treatment manual and have discussed her tragic death with many families over the past year. By sharing her with me you have helped many families to understand the serious nature of this disorder and have enabled me to support them to take action as quickly as possible.

Every family has commented on how beautiful your daughter was.

Thank you for speaking with me and influencing my work over the past year. I wish I could say something to ease your pain but know that I can't.

Anonymous, by E-mail:

" ..... just know that there are a slew of parents in and outside of the UK supporting you.  4 other girls, my daughter's age, have been terribly let down by the ED services and that must change!

I have met with both Jeremy Hunt and Norman Lamb in 2013 ........ and he briefed me on the difficulties you had and that it was an unacceptable situation. 

I admire your methodical and structured approach - Excellent work.

Very warm wishes, "

Jennifer, Blog Comment

I am so sorry for your tragic loss. In my work with Mothers Against Eating Disorders and International Eating Disorder Action, I encounter so many parents from the U.K. who echo all that you have described. One cannot depend on the NHS or CAMHS for true help when an eating disorder is present. I will do what I can to spread the word of your important campaign. Once again, I am so sorry for the unnecessary loss of your beloved daughter.

Jennifer, by E-mail:

I live in the US, my daughter is an adult with a severe and entrenched eating disorder, and as Laura Collins knows, I recognize far too well the situation you describe.  I wanted you to know that I read Laura's post and have added your blog to my list of blogs on my site as well as introduced the blog in my latest post that I actually had written before I turned to Laura's post and learned about Averil. I am so, so very sorry for your loss.

With much love,

Jennifer

Anonymous, by E-mail:

I am somewhat familiar with the UK system of (non) treatment of eating disorders through my friends in Mothers Against Eating Disorders. I know they discharge at a BMI of 17, that even though Maudsley was invented in London it's not done well in the UK and that there a few medical services from CAMHS or NHS until patients are dangerously ill. What you and your family and your daughter have gone through is so unnecessary and horrific.

My daughter is also 19, she was diagnosed at 17 and the treatment she received immediately meant her lowest BMI was 16.8 and she never needed a medical hospitalization. She was treated at University of California San Diego in a program Ivan Eisler helped design. She is doing well today. There is no excuse for what is happening with the NHS--their current system doesn't even save money. It's madness through and through. Anything I can do to support your cause I absolutely will. I am so sorry for the loss of your radiant girl.