Our mum survived cancer misdiagnosis - but dad then took his own life

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Our mum survived cancer misdiagnosis - but dad then took his own life3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleKen BanksNorth east Scotland reporterCrowley familyMary and David had been together since they were teenagersWhen Mary Crowley was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 67, her family turned their lives upside down in a bid to make her life as good as possible in the time she had left. Mary and her husband David moved away from their beloved home in Tomintoul, Moray, in 2023. And their son moved his family from England to Scotland's central belt, so they could all be closer to each other.

However, when it later transpired there had actually been a misdiagnosis, David struggled to cope with the mixture of emotions - and took his own life at the age of 70 in early 2024. The case emerged after the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) upheld a complaint from the family about the standard of care provided. Mary has since completed her treatment for what was actually stage one breast cancer, and was free from cancer at her last appointment.

The Details

NHS Grampian has apologised for "errors" and the "distress" caused, but the family has spoken about the anger that remains about what happened. Lizzie CrowleyMary Crowley (left) pictured with husband David and daughters Lizzie (centre) and EmilyThe couple had been together since they were teenagers. They got married in 1978, and moved to Tomintoul in the 1980s, where David worked as a GP, and Mary was the practice manager.

Mary noticed a breast dimple in early 2023. A biopsy revealed cancer, and then after a MRI scan she was told she had stage four metastatic breast cancer. Crowley familyThis photo of the couple was taken about 12 years ago"We were not expecting a late stage cancer diagnosis," daughter Lizzie, 46, told Scotland News.

"There is always uncertainty in diagnosis, but this was conveyed as certainty. "We automatically went into planning mode and made huge life-changing decisions. "The couple's other two children are Emily, 49, and 43-year-old Ed.

What Experts Say

"We sold the family home which they both loved," Lizzie said of her mother and father's life in Tomintoul. "And my brother moved to Scotland from England. "It was all done "to look after my dad after, we assumed, our mum's demise".

Crowley familyDavid and Mary had loved their life in TomintoulMary started treatment associated with the advanced disease - including teeth extractions - but David was questioning the diagnosis. "As a former GP, he initially trusted what he was being told," Lizzie said. "However, he became increasingly concerned and ultimately pushed very hard for independent second opinions when these were not being secured locally.

"Eventually, stage one cancer was instead confirmed. "One of the questions that still troubles me is what would have happened if my dad had not had the medical knowledge, confidence and determination to challenge the diagnosis," Lizzie said.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.