Wimbledon presenter Annabel Croft has described being 'haunted' by a nurse who mocked her husband Mel Coleman as he lay dying from colon cancer. The former tennis champion, 60, lost Mel in May 2023, just 16 weeks after his diagnosis.
Nurse's 'Cruel' Behavior During Final Moments
Speaking to MailOnline, Croft recounted how the nurse appeared to take pleasure in telling Mel he was dying. 'I've asked myself, since, if she was a psychopath,' Croft said. 'It felt like it because she seemed to take pleasure in telling Mel he was dying.'
When Croft asked to speak privately, the nurse refused, stating: 'No, he is the patient. He has to hear that he is dying.' The nurse then told Croft's son Charlie, who asked about Mel's remaining time, that he had only hours to live, 'almost laughing, mocking our son,' Croft added.
Do-Not-Resuscitate Order Dispute
The nurse also issued a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order against Mel's wishes. Croft explained: 'Mel had made it clear he didn't want a DNR. This nurse said: "Listen to me. He's got cancer. We are not resuscitating him." Like she was enjoying it.'
Croft, who has three children with Mel, described the voice as 'cruel' and said it kept her awake at night. Despite the incident, she acknowledged many other nurses were 'angels' during his care.
Mel Coleman's Sudden Illness
Mel Coleman, a former round-the-world yachtsman, died at age 60 after being diagnosed with colon cancer. His death came as a shock to the family, occurring just 16 weeks after diagnosis. Croft has been open about her grief and the impact on her family.
