Bolton inquest: Family demand answers after son, 20, dies

Former Turton School pupil Cameron “Cam” Duxbury was working in finance at Embark in Egerton before he died.

He enjoyed playing football at Bromley Cross FC, as well as going to the gym.

Cameron died on October 27, 2020, from ulcervative colitis, and was diagnosed just six weeks before his death, undergoing surgery to prolong his life.

His parents Nigel and Cherise Duxbury, from Egerton, tearfully placed a photograph on the table in front of them, while Cherise kissed the photograph, during the hearing.

Speaking during the inquest, Cherise said: “We just want answers about what happened to Cameron.”

Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand said that an investigation was carried out on November 4, 2020, with a formal investigation being carried out the following day.

This was then escalated to the Royal Bolton Hospital in December because of several questions raised by the family.

Mr Brennand said: “The questions that have been asked by the family include ‘should something have been done sooner?’ and ‘why did a fit, healthy young man die so young?’.”

Mr Brennand said that because of the cause of death being multiple organ failure, that an internal and external review is being carried out by the trust.

He explained that the case “should have been brought to an inquest review a lot sooner”, but due to Covid and a variety of reasons this was not able to happen.

He said: “There were a lot of problems during the pandemic and a variety of reasons as to why this was not picked up sooner.

“If you are also dealing with a complex case this can also delay the process.

“I am not going to offer you an excuse, I am going to offer you an apology.

“There has to come a time where there is an end stage, because I can see the pain and suffering you are feeling from Cameron’s tragic death.”

The inquest also heard that there are expected to be discussions carried out to determine whether there were any ‘missed opportunities’ at the GP level.

Cherise said: “I think it’s the start of the journey.”

Cameron with his sister Caitlin (left) and mum, Cherise, and dad Nigel

Nigel added: “Our main concern is, had something been done at the very beginning, could something have changed?”

The family are currently awaiting a date for a meeting with the trust.

A provisional date has been given for either a pre-inquest review, or a full inquest, of August 3, depending on the outcome of the family’s meeting with the trust.

Mr Brennand said: “We will take stock once the meeting has taken place and see if we can progress to an inquest in August.

“In the event that you are entirely comforted and the questions you have asked are answered between the trust and yourselves, then this will be a short hearing.

“If that is not what you feel, then there may be a full inquest.”