A Life Marked by Struggles and a Tragic End
Emma Izzard, a woman who once appeared on the BBC show Escape to the Country in search of a ‘new perfect life’, passed away after battling alcoholism. Her story highlights the challenges faced by individuals dealing with addiction and the impact it can have on their lives.
A Journey to a New Beginning
In 2021, Emma Izzard and her then-partner Kym Lofthouse were featured on an episode of Escape to the Country. The couple, based in Luton, Bedfordshire, were looking for a fresh start in Norfolk. They were drawn to the area because of its ‘clean air’ and ‘slower pace of life’. Host Ginny Buckley helped them find a new home, and they eventually moved to North Walsham. Although they later parted ways, they remained friends.
The Struggle with Alcoholism
An inquest into Emma Izzard’s death at the Norfolk Coroner Court revealed that she had been struggling with alcoholism. Kym Lofthouse shared details about how Emma’s drinking increased significantly in July 2022 after her mother fell ill. According to Lofthouse, Emma believed her mother might not survive, which led to a period of secret drinking. After six months of this, she tried to quit but found it difficult to get the necessary help quickly enough, leading her to resume drinking.
Emma underwent several stints in rehab, but relapses made her drinking habits more severe. Lofthouse described how Emma did not want to drink, but the addiction had taken a strong hold on her.
A Sudden and Tragic End
On November 19 last year, Emma Izzard was rushed to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital after she started vomiting blood. She died the following day when she went into cardiac arrest during a gastroscopy in the operating theatre. The cause of her death was determined to be an oesophageal and variceal bleed, linked to alcohol-related liver disease.
Family History and Coroner’s Findings
The inquest also heard that Emma’s father, who passed away when she was a teenager, had struggled with alcoholism himself. Coroner Johanna Thompson concluded that Emma’s death was related to alcohol. She noted that Emma had a history of excessive alcohol consumption and was suffering from alcohol-related liver disease. The coroner stated that Emma arrived at the hospital showing symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal and could not be saved by the treatment provided.
A Cautionary Tale
Emma Izzard’s story serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of alcoholism and the importance of seeking timely help. Her journey, from a hopeful move to a new life to a tragic end, underscores the need for awareness and support for those battling addiction. It is a poignant example of how personal struggles can impact not only the individual but also their loved ones.
