The creative world was saddened by the death of BAFTA-winning BBC writer and illustrator Daniel Postgate, who was found dead at his home in Whitstable at the age of 61. An inquest has now detailed the heartbreaking sequence of events leading to his death on June 27, revealing the profound impact of a letter from the NHS received just one day earlier.
The Final NHS Letter and Health Struggles
Daniel Postgate had been courageously battling significant health issues, including myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of blood cancer, and aplastic anaemia. He had undergone gruelling chemotherapy in 2019 and had appeared to come through the treatment successfully. However, the inquest heard that a letter from the NHS arrived on June 26.
While the correspondence confirmed his past treatment had gone well, it also delivered the devastating news that there was a chance his cancer could return. For Daniel, who had a 40-year history of depression and anxiety, this possibility became an unbearable burden. A report from his family presented to the coroner stated that he was "afraid my illness can't be cured."
A Final Phone Call and a Heartbreaking Note
Despite the internal turmoil sparked by the letter, Daniel's final interactions gave little indication of the depth of his despair. His brother, Simon Postgate, recounted their last phone conversation to the inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone.
"I think he had something in mind, but I don't know for certain," Simon told the court. "He was able to communicate and was quite chatty and fairly relaxed... It was sometimes difficult to tell what frame of mind he was in." Daniel had been living alone following a separation from his partner of 35 years, with whom he shared two children.
Tragically, when he was discovered, it was clear Daniel had intended to say a final goodbye. The inquest heard that he left a poignant note for his loved ones, which read: "I hope you all have wonderful lives, and remember to love each other."
A Legacy in Children's Television
Daniel Postgate leaves behind an incredible legacy in children's entertainment. He was the son of Oliver Postgate, the co-creator of the beloved classic Bagpuss. Daniel himself was praised for his work relaunching the modern version of The Clangers on CBeebies, which became a hit between 2015 and 2020 and won a British Academy Children's Award for Best Pre-School Animation.
He was also the creative force behind popular children's books such as Smelly Bill and Engelbert Sneem and His Dream Vacuum Machine. Coroner Sarah Clarke recorded a conclusion of suicide, noting the deliberate nature of his actions. She addressed the family's grief, stating, "I don't think it's a question that can ever be answered... He tells me he's undertaking a deliberate act. He doesn't want to endure the ongoing treatment."
