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Inquest Rules Daniel Postgate Died by Suicide After NHS Letter on Cancer Diagnosis

A coroner said the 61-year-old acted deliberately because he did not want to undergo more treatment.

Overview

  • Postgate was found dead in a shed at his Whitstable home on June 27, with the inquest concluding this week that his death was a deliberate act.
  • The day before he died he received NHS correspondence about myelodysplastic syndrome, which relatives told investigators contributed to his decision.
  • Evidence to the inquest described a four-decade history of depression as well as an amicable separation from his partner of 35 years; he was a father of two.
  • He had earlier been treated for aplastic anaemia in 2019 and had undergone chemotherapy, leaving a note expressing fear his illness could not be cured.
  • The BAFTA-winning writer-producer led Smallfilms, relaunched The Clangers for CBeebies, and had been working on a planned Bagpuss film for 2027.