Ellen Mulvey, a 44-year-old managing director at a global financial recruitment firm in London, struggled with a chronic gambling addiction that ultimately led her to take her own life. Her partner, Deanne Tomkins, described her as someone who 'always put other people first,' despite her own struggles.
An inquest into Mulvey's death revealed that she had lost hundreds of thousands of pounds gambling, first through mainstream operators and later through unlicensed platforms. She died on 7 November at Macclesfield District General Hospital, leaving a note that read: 'Addiction is the worst disease ever.'
A Generous and Caring Person
Mulvey's sister, Katie Styring, called her 'the most generous, caring, kind person.' Tomkins added that Mulvey was 'so patient, understanding and playful' as a stepmother to her four-year-old son. At work, Mulvey was a committed advocate for diversity, and InterInvest, a national network for LGBTQ+ concerns in the investment industry, called her a 'remarkable ally, leader and friend' and created an award in her name.
Styring recalled how Mulvey was protective of her growing up. 'She wound us up, no end, but she always had our back if there was ever any trouble,' she said. 'If somebody upset me, there was no stopping her, she would find this fierce protector inside her.'
The Toll of Gambling Addiction
The family believes Mulvey's addiction began in 2018, based on bank statements, and blame it for her deteriorating mental health. In her final weeks, she lost about £10,000 on unlicensed gambling sites after registering with Gamstop, a self-exclusion scheme that only blocks UK-licensed sites. Tomkins expressed anger at the gambling sector, saying, 'It is so easy to find gambling sites which are not part of Gamstop.'
Clare Gerada, a leading addictions specialist, gave written evidence to the inquest, noting that the 'guilt, shame and feelings of worthlessness' Mulvey experienced were typical of gambling addiction. Coroner Elizabeth Wheeler recorded a suicide conclusion, citing gambling disorder as a contributing factor.
Call for Reform
Tomkins called for a public health response, stating that gambling products are 'clearly designed to be addictive' and that 'the system as a whole is not doing enough to protect people.' The family is urging wholesale reform of the gambling industry to prevent further tragedies.
If you or someone you know is affected by gambling addiction, support is available. In the UK, contact the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic on 020 7381 7722 or GamCare on 0808 8020 133. For mental health support, Samaritans can be reached on 116 123.
