Stockton mum’s fight for answers after daughter’s death goes on

Timms says the measures reflect a move towards a more “personalised and compassionate approach”, by identifying vulnerable people earlier and providing additional support before decisions are made.

He acknowledges, however, that the changes cannot undo what happened to Jodey.

“Her case has contributed to significant reflection and learning across the department,” he said in his letter.

During their meeting, Dove also requested a copy of the Internal Process Review into Jodey’s case.

Timms said the department was considering the request, including taking legal advice, and will write to her again once a decision has been made.

For Dove, the letter is important in her campaign, but it does not mark its end.

She still wants a public inquiry and believes there are questions about the treatment of vulnerable people that need to be answered.

In July Timms told the BBC an interim review of Personal Independence Payments (Pip) in England and Wales had found them “not fit for purpose”, with a final report due out later this autumn.

Dove’s determination to keep going comes against a backdrop of family tragedy.

Since losing Jodey, she has also endured the murder of her grandson, Jodey’s son Lewis Bell, and the death of another daughter.

Her grandson’s murder two years ago, and the court trial has brought further heartache.

She recalls the moments when grief catches up with her, particularly since moving house and finding herself alone with photographs of lost family members.

“I like to keep active. I’ve just moved and for a while I’ve been a bit down.

“It’s when you’re on your own, surrounded by pictures of them all,” she said.

Dove continues to look for ways to help other people even while dealing with her own grief.