Mum of vet, 35, who took own life says he was ‘destroyed’ by putting down dogs of ‘rich’ owners who failed to treat them
A MUM says her vet son who took his own life was “destroyed” by putting down dogs of the “rich” who failed to treat them.
Grief-stricken Tina Ellis told how her son, John Ellis, 35, was so dedicated to his job he would take it personally if an animal died under his care.
John took his own life in November 2022 after being distressed by “rich” owners more keen to put their pets down than pay for treatment.
Mother-of-three Tina spoke to the MailOnline after an inquest heard how her son had struggled to cope with these wealthier customers who would arrive in “brand new cars”.
John had also told his mother how owners who could not afford treatment would bring their pets in when it was too late to save them.
Winchester Coroner’s Court heard how he tricked a veterinary nurse into giving him a deadly does of a euthanasia drug.
After falsely claiming that he needed it in order to put down a friend’s “large dog” at their home, he administered the drug to himself.
Performed at the home of a friend who was on holiday, he died after injecting the substance via an intravenous drip.
John’s father described the handing of the drug to his son as like being “given a loaded gun”.
Tina, 63, said her son’s issues were compounded by others being “naïve” about the cost of keeping animals and failing to bring them in early enough for necessary treatment.
A Tory councillor, the mother described how John was able to hide his troubles as he had taught himself to remain calm in distressing circumstances.
She added how proud her family was of John at the time for his work but that this was the “tragedy” of it all.
Tina continued saying that her son had to deal with people facing extortionate veterinary bills who also believed vets were being paid too much and that they were only in the jobs for the money.
The councillor paid a moving tribute to her son and recalled how he had studied hard and set his sights on being a vet from the age of three.
She said: “It’s an absolute travesty that he’s been lost not only for us but for the veterinary world.
“He was fun, he was funny, he was generous, he was kind.
“He was so clever, and we were so proud of him.”
The mum-of-three added how he would always be encouraging to his younger siblings as well as younger colleagues, wanting to give them the confidence to succeed.
Tina added how he was loved and admired by friends and family, as well as colleagues and clients at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, where he worked.
She said John frequently worked late and helped out other colleagues when he could.
Tina, of Fareham, Hampshire, now wants to draw attention to what she describes as a “hidden epidemic” of suicide in the UK.
She is urging anyone who may be struggling with mental health challenges to seek support.
On November 6, 2022 John was found by police in the house of a friend who was on holiday in Tenerife at the time.
He was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester but was pronounced dead in the early hours of November 7.
Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner for Hampshire Simon Burge said John’s death was “a huge waste of a talented life”.
He added: “It’s a matter of great regret to the family and all his friends that he should have rashly, unnecessarily made the decision that he did.
“He did it in the context of relationship issues in more than one relationship.
“This was coupled with the considerable stress involved at the residency, from the financial pressures that caused.”
John’s family shared a tribute to him through the suicide charity Amparo.
They said: “Those who knew John will remember him not only for his professional expertise but also for his warmth, generosity, and genuine love for animals.
“He poured his heart into his work, and his absence leaves a deep void in the lives of all who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him personally.
“As a family, we are devastated by the loss of John, and we continue to grapple with the heartbreak and shock that come with the death of someone so young and full of potential.
“We want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may be struggling with mental health challenges to seek support and not suffer in silence.
“No one should feel that they are alone, and we urge everyone to reach out for help if they are in need.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123