10 January 2023

We at INQUEST have been devastated to hear of the sudden death of Tania El-Keria on Christmas Eve, in a road traffic accident.

Tania worked closely with INQUEST, as well as many other bereaved families and campaigners, for the past ten years following the preventable death of her 14 year old daughter Amy.

Amy died during an NHS funded placement at a Priory hospital. Following this, Tania became a central figure in campaigns challenging the privatisation of mental health services and the ill treatment of children. She fought for truth, justice and accountability for Amy, and to achieve change to protect others in future.

Tania spoke out tirelessly over the past decade, both in the media and to parliamentarians and policy makers, putting these issues firmly on the political agenda.

Tania was also part of INQUEST’s family reference group, and has taken part in lots of our recent work and events. She was adored across our team and by all those she met along the way.

Not least for her generosity and sense of fun, during the memorable Christmas raffle for families. As well as her powerful speech in Parliament, at the launch of our Legal Aid for Inquests campaign.

Tania also did the unseen work of supporting countless other families, primarily of children and young people in mental health settings.

She had a positive impact on the lives of so many, and we have no doubt that her hard work, care and passion has made significant and long lasting changes

Despite her own private heartbreak over her beloved Amy’s death, Tania was always full of laughs, humour and cheekiness. She was also deeply caring and loving to everyone she came across along the way.

She will be remembered by us all and will be much missed.

We are thinking of her family and friends and sending love and strength to all those who are affected by this sad news.