In loving memory of Professor C. Heather Ashton (1929–2019), our Angel of the North. Mentor, advocate, and friend. Her kindness, wisdom, and integrity continue to guide us.
Today, Monday September 15th, marks six years since the passing of Professor C. Heather Ashton, mentor, pioneer, friend, and our “Angel of the North.” There is not a day that I don’t feel her influence in the work I continue to do, or in the compassion and hope I extend to others walking the difficult path of withdrawal.
Professor Ashton was the first to speak out when no one dared. She created space where silence had reigned, running her clinic for more than a decade and validating countless individuals who were struggling to discontinue drugs prescribed to them, taken exactly as directed. She never once judged. She never once turned away. She embodied kindness, integrity, and courage.
Here was a doctor who recognised a group of people struggling to discontinue prescribed drugs because of clusters of physical and psychological symptoms. They were not 'users' or 'addicts.' Many had been prescribed these medications not only for anxiety, depression, or insomnia, but also for menopausal symptoms, migraine headaches, chronic pain, neurological conditions (as in my own case), reactions to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and sometimes for chronic illnesses that were difficult to diagnose. They did not crave the drug or seek it illegally; they had no pre-existing addictions. In fact, many themselves requested to be tapered off once they realized the harm it was causing. For some, even the reaction from a missed dose or two raised the alarm. Professor Ashton gave voice to this overlooked group... unsupported, isolated, often misdiagnosed, gaslighted, and stigmatised. She saw them, and she stood by them.
Her words to me still echo clearly: “Everyone heals, Baylissa. But it can take time. The nervous system is intricate and complex; you must allow it more time. If something is happening to you, accept it as necessary for healing to take place.” She also reminded me to reassure those beginning their withdrawal journey: the very moment you start a careful taper, your healing has already begun. The nervous system begins to adjust, the receptors become alert and vigilant, and the process of recovery is underway. Every small sign of change, no matter how mild, should be embraced as a good thing. as evidence that the body is responding and moving toward restoration.
In today’s climate, where fear, blame, and even unkindness sometimes overshadow compassion in our community, her example is needed more than ever. She never blamed anyone for their suffering. She never suggested they had failed, or done something wrong. She simply reminded us that symptoms were part of the process, and that patience, trust, and gentleness were essential.
For me, she was more than a professional influence. She was a friend with wit, wisdom, and warmth. Our conversations ranged from the most complex scientific theories to the simplest matters of daily life and always, she left me inspired, braver, and more hopeful.
Today, I honour her life and legacy with gratitude. She has handed us the baton of advocacy, compassion, and truth. My promise is to continue holding it with the same integrity and kindness she embodied.
Thank you, Professor Ashton. You are missed deeply, but your voice, your example, and your spirit live on in the countless lives you touched and continue to heal.
With much compassion,
